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N0.7.-KATAHDIN PUBLISHING COMPANY, NEW YORK. -July i.isse. 



IMPORTANT NOTICE V 



The publishers respectfully announce that during the year 1897 
the superior excellence of the stories heretofore published in the 
New York 10-Cent Libba.ey will be maintained, and that no effort 
or expense will be spared to give to their patrons the very best 
writings of popular authors. Among the issues of 1897 will appear 
stories from the pens of old favorites. Arrangements have been 
made with ERWIN L. COOLIDGE, the author of the follow- 
ing popular stories, which have appeared in the 



No. 1.— A MAINE GIRL, 

No. 2.— THE FORTUNES OF A FACTORY GIRL, 

No. 4.~THE MOUNTAIN LIMITED, 

No. 5.— MYSTERY OF THE MONTAUK MILLS, 

No. 7.— GILT-EDGE TOM, CONDUCTOR, 

for two stirring railroad stories, the first to appear as No. 14 of 
the New York IO-Cent Library under the title, “FRED FAITH- 
FUL, THE BOY ENGINEER;” and the second to appear later 
in the year. The same author will also contribute another thrilling 
factory romance. 

The boy’s favorite, WIN. C. LIVINGSTONE, will con- 
tribute two stories of adventure which will be duly announced. 

Watch the Catalogue. 

To readers of the New York 10 Cent Library, who live in' 
remote districts where there are no convenient newsdealers, 
attention is called to the fact that the subscription price of the 
New York 10 Cent Library is $1 00 a year, 12 numbers, postage, 
paid. Respectfully, 


KATAHDIN PUBLISHING COMPANY,, 

10 SPRUCE ST., NEW YORK. 


:-EDGE TOM, 

CONDUCTOR; 

OR, THE 

Pride of the Valley Route. 


A RAILROAD STORY OF TO-DAY. 


BT 

ERWIN L. COOLIDGE. 


CoPYEiGHT, 1896, By Ebwiw L. Coolidge. All Rights Reserved. 



KATAHDIN PUBLISHING COMPANY, 


NEW YORK. 


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10 SPRUCE STREET, 

ROOM 5. NEW YORK. 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


II 


GILT-EDGE TOM, CONDUCTOR. 

CHAPTER I. 

GILT-EDGE TOM. 

E YENIi^G shadows ^vere fast enveloping in their 
sombre folds a modest little cottage which stood 
on an eminence overlooking the swiftly flowioy 
waters of the Lehigh Eiver where it joins the mighty 
Delaware. 

AYithin the cottage an elderly woman and a yonng girl 
were busy preparing the evening meal. 

As she moved about the room the mother cast fre- 
quent glances at an old-fashioned clock, which stood in a 
corner of the kitchen. 

Finally, with, a smile and a lingering tone of tender^ 
ness in her voice, she spoke : 

^^It’s nearly time for Tom to come home,’’ said she. 
^A^es, mother,” cried the young girl; think I heard 
his train, across the river, a few minutes ago. He will 
soon be here.” 

^^Supper is almost ready. He will be tired and hun- 
gry wdien he comes in after his hard day’s work on the 
train,” said the fond mother. 


12 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


^^An'd we’ve got such a nice supper to-night/’ cried the 
young girl^ surveying the well-laden table while ^he 
sniffed the fragrant odors w'hich came from the roast in 
the oven. ^^He will be pleased, I am sure.” 

^^Yes, dear, but this is Toni’s birthday, you know,” was 
the smiling reply, ^^and on this occasion we have made 
a little extra effort. Tom is twenty-three years old to- 
day. My, but how fast the years pass away! Nell, 
dear, your mother is getting old.” 

With a merry laugh at her parent’s seriousness, the 
daughter, bearing the burdens of her eighteen years, ran 
across the room and throwing her arms around her 
mother’s neck she kissed her affectiomately. 

Just then brisk footsteps were heard mthout the door 
of the cottage. The next moment it was thrown open 
and a handsome young man burst into the room with a 
cheery cry. 

^^Good news to-night, mother,” he shouted, and as her 
mother and sister came to greet him he kissed each of 
them a dozen times and then casting aside his hat and 
coat he hastened to remove the dust and stains of a day’s 
travel. 

Tom Yeme was a conductor on the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad, as his father had been before him: 

After leaving' the University, having been graduated 
WTth honors at the age of nineteen, he chose railroading 
instead of entering any of the professions, and finally pur- 
suaded his father to secure for him a position on the Le- 
high V alley road. 

Mr. Verne, onq of the oldest conductors on the Valley 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


13 


route at that time, protes>ted against his son’s determina- 
tion, and Mrs. Yerne joined her protests with those of her 
husband. 

But Tom insisted and finally overcame all objections, 
and became a brakeman on his father’s train. 

A year passed and he was promoted to the baggage 
car. 

Fortune had not smiled on the Ye-me family after Tom 
left the University, and it had a severe blow in store for 
them. 

Mr. Yeme was suddenly taken ill, and after seveial 
weeks of suffering he died. 

Tom and Nellie were the only children — Tom was 
then twenty years old and his sister was fifteen. 

During his father’s illness Tom was temporarily called 
upon to take charge of the train, and filled the position of 
conductor so successfully that after the end came he was 
permanently detailed to the post. 

The train was a local, making two trips daily from Eas- 
ton to Allentown and return. 

After his father’s death the support of his mother and 
sister devolved upon Tom. 

Her husband’s taking away aged Mrs. Yerne greatly, 
and as month succeeded month the gray 'hairs became 
more plentiful and deep furrowed lines caused by sorrow 
marked her sweet face. 

Love for her childi^n caused the widow to bear her 
burdens patiently. 

Tom rapidly became a most popular employe on the 
Yalley route, both with his superiors in office anld among 


14 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


Ills fellow employes. 

Always willing and generous in disiposition, liis rapid 
rise in rank caused less jealousy than often arises in simi- 
lar cases. 

He had friends everywhere and very few enemies. 

His income, while not large, was sufficient to support 
the little family in comfort, but not in luxury. 

But, aside from his home expenses, Tom, because of 
his generous disposition, had many demands upon his in- 
come. 

Many a time the young man opened his purse to his 
fellows when they were in need or after an accident while . 
they lay suffering on a bed of pain in the hospital. 

Among the boys who were employed on the Lehigh he 
was always the friend to whom they could turn in adver- 
sity for assistance and advice. 

^Tirst comes mother and Hell,’^ said Tom, many a 
time; ^^after them the worthy in need and then — well, 
Fll come in for what^s left.’’ 

Scarcely anybody knew him as Tom Verne. 

All along the route he was known as Gilt-Edge Tom. 

^ffi'hat lad,” said one of the officials of the company, 
an Eastern man, after having heard of Tom’s acts of 
generosity; ^^is gilt-edged; solid gold, in fact.” 

The remark was overheard and repeated among the 
men, and it stuck to Tom from that day on. 

About a month before our story opens Tom was sud- 
denly called from his regular train and put in charge of 
one of the through express trains v/hich ran fr»om Hew 
York to Buffalo. He took the train in the morning at 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 15 

Easton and went as far as Wilkesbarrej returning fo 
Easton at night. 

The promotion was unexpected^ and was only a ten. 
2>oirary arrangement, it was understood, but to the young 
conductor it was very gratifying, as it expressed by action 
the confidence in which he was held by his superiors in 
office. 

The month had passed without an unpleasant incident 
as far as the successful conduct of the trust was con- 
cerned. 

His last run, according to his original orders — ^but let 
him tell about it in his own words. 

While we have been getting partly acquainted with 
him he has washed away the smoke, dust and grime from 
liis hands and face, and the little family has got comfor- 
tably seated at the supper \able, and Tom is just now 
carving the roast and helping sister Nellie to a liberal 
slice of ^hTb.” 

^^What’s the good news, brother Tom?’’ the impatient 
girl has" asked him at least half a dozen times without get- 
ting the desired information. 

‘^Godd enough to keep, Nell,” he has answered. 

^^Oh, Tom, do tell us?” she urged. What’s the good 
news?” 

Mrs. Verne, who realized that Tom would tell lids 
secret after teasing his sister a bit, smiled at their by- 
play. 

^^That’s seven times you have asked me in less than 
five minutes,” laughed Tom. 

^^Yes, and I’ll ask again if you don’t answer quickly,” 


i6 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


l^ellie retorted. 

^^Isn’t tlie news too good to keep, Tom?’’ asked Mrs. 
Verne at this point. 

^^Well, mother,” said the young man. ^T’m beginning 
to think, if you both get after me, that it is. It’s only 
this — I’m to keiep the express for a regular run and Dick 
Clay, my old friend, is to have the local.” 

^^Oh, that’s splendid,” said ISTellie. 

^^Yes,” said his mother, ^ht is indeed good news, Tom, 
but I don’t know as I shall like to have you go so far 
away from home every day. It didn’t seem the same as it 
is now when you went to Allentown and back. ” 

^^K'ow, mother, you needn’t worry about me on this 
run. You see how nicely I’ve got along this last month. 
I thought to-day was to be the wind-up, but, somehow, 
there are lots of changes going on among the old men, 
and it happened to be my luck to get a good train per- 
manently; that is you know,” he added with a smile, ^^as 
long as my good behavior warrants.” 

^^Good behavior, indeed,” laughed Nellie. ^Tf it de- 
> pends on your good behavior alone you won’t last 
another month unless you behave better while away than 
you do here at home.” 

^Tndeed, Miss Impudence,” said Tom; ^^since when 
have you become such a model as to sit in judgment upon 
your eldem.” 

^^Come, come, you children will get to quarreling again 
if you don’t change the subject,” said Mrs. Verne se- 
riously. 

^^No fear, is there, brother Tom?” cried his sister, 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


i; 


^springing up from her chair and throwing her arms 
around the young man’s neck. 

^^Not much/’ answered Tom^ as he hurriedly swallowed 
a dainty morsel and kissed her fondly. feel so happy 
tx)-night that I couldn’t quarrel with anybody.” 

^^Dear me, such actions and at the supper -table, too,” 
cried Mrs. Verne, in mock earnestness. ^^Why can’t you 
two children behave properly?” 

We’re all right, mother,” said Nellie, still clinging to 
her big brother and impeding the workings of his knife 
and fork. 

'^^Break away, Nell; there’s some one at the door,” 
cried Tom suddenly. 

As he spoke a vigorous knock sounded. 

Nellie hastily resumed her seat at the table and Tom 
answered the summons. 

A young man about Tom’s age stood on the threshold 
when the door was opened. 

^^Dick Clay!” exclaimed Tom. ^^Come in. I’m mighty 
glad to see you, and I want to congratulate you on the 
new run.” 

^^Same to you, Tom,” was the earnest reply to Tom’s 
cordial welcome. 

^^Come in, Dick. I’m at supper still, but have a chair, 
and mother and Nell will see to it that you get your ^hare 
of what’s left.” 

^^Good evening, Mrs. Verne, and good evening to you, 
Miss Nellie. I hope you will excuse me ; you know I’m 
just from the train. I only now heard of Gilt-Edge 
Tom’s good luck, and I had to hurry over here and con- 


i8 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


gratulate liim. Everybody in town is talking about t ' • 
sliake-np on the Lehigli, and not a pei’son but says you’ c 
got just what you ought to have, Tom.’’ 

^^Sit'down and eat, Dick,” said Tom; ^Svasli up and 
I’ll wait and finish my supper with you. You see, Dick, 
you’ve come just at the right time. It’s my birthday, you 
know, Dick, and mother and Yell here have fixed up one 
of the finest feeds for me to-night that I have ever sat 
doAvn to. It beats the Paxinosa all hollow. Even Del- 
monico isn’t in it with us. Dick, just look at that roast. 
Did you ever see a more tempting cut to set before a half- 
starved Tailroad man who is more used to sandwiches 
made from hard tack and sole leather? See these potatoes 
and all these fixings and say, Dick, just you smell that 
jpudding that Yell’s got in the oven. Dick, have you 
made up your mind to eat?” 

^^I can’t resist,” was the reply. 

^^Don’t mind what Tom says, Mr. Clay,” said Mrs. 
Verne; ^Tie is full of his antics to-night. We are ha^dng a 
little private birthday party and you are most welcome.* 

^^Yes,” said Yellie, ^^you have been a stranger of late 
We haven’t seen you for almost three w^eeks.” 

^^Don’t talk so much,” cried Tom. ^^Dick wants some- 
thing to eat and he wants it right away. He’s got to hus- 
tle to catch up'wdth me, so don’t delay him.” 

For the next hour Tom kept up a lumning fire of 
wmrds, notwithstanding his admonition to others not to 
talk too much, and the pleasant evening grew apace. 

Although there were no clouds apparent in the sky 
and the future seemed bright to Mrs. V erne as she heard 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


19 


the happy talk of the yoimg people that eve'iiing, into her 
mind there suddenly came a dire foreboding of coming 
evil. 

Behind tiie bright glow of the sunshine of the present 
she felt intuitively that there were dark and dismal day? 
to come. 

She felt thatj although her beloved son^ was now happy 
and free from care, that the time was not far distant 
when shadows would fall and a serious stomi would break. 

Her mother’s heart became depressed. Try as she 
would, she could not shake off the haunting fear. 

She gazed across the table at the handsome fece of her 
•stalwart son and her bosom swelled with, pride. His face 
was clear and free from imperfections. His eyes were 
large, clear and piercing, his brow high and white, liis 
mouth well cut and strong, shaded by a soft drooping 
moustache. 

Then her loving eyes dwelt upon the beautiful daugh' 
ter at her son’s side. 

She, too, was the pride of the mother. 

Hellie Yerne was just -developing into womanhood. 
Her figure was well proportioned. She was above the 
average in height, and, like her brother’s, her face was 
full and finely featured. 

Her eyes, too, were large, dark and; expressive. 

Inwardly, Mrs. Yeme prayed that her forebodings 
might not come true, and that both children might re- 
main free from care and trouble, but her fears would not 
abate. 

Dick Clay for years had been Tom Yerne’s chum and 


20 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


friend. He was twenty-twO' years old, and wliile of a dif- 
ferent mould from Tom, was, nevertheless, a handsome, 
honest and noble young man. 

He had, like Tom, worked his way up from the ranks in 
the employ of the Lehigh, and what he had won had been 
through merit alone. 

Finally, the table was cleared and the old clock in 
mellow tones struck the hour of eleven. 

^^Getting late, Tom,’’ said Dick, reaching for his hat. 

must say good night. I have to make an early start, 
as you know, in the morning.” 

^^Yes, my boy,” was the reply. had it for four 
years. I know what it is. I’m mighty glad you came 
around to-night. Come often. Hell and mother will 
both be glad to have you come.” 

^T’ll try and get around once in a while, Tom.” 

^^That’s right, Mr. Clay,” said Mrs. Verne. 

^^Call him Dick, mother, the same as I do,” said Tom; 
^^you used to call him Dick.” 

^^Yes, I’m going to call him Dick, too,” said Hellie. 
^^We always did call you Dick.” 

^^Good night, Dick,” said Mrs. Verne, as the young 
man reached the door and was about to leave. 

^Tlold on; I’ll go a ways with you,” said Tom. ^Tt 
won’t be long, mother.” 

And together the two young men left the cottage and 
made their way from the hill toward Third street. 

Scarcely had they turned the first comer from the cot- 
tage than there came to their ears a piercing scream. 

Another and another. 


GILT-EDGE TOM. 


21 


^^ITelp! help!^’ 

God! Dick^ that’s a woman’s cry/’ said Tom. 
^There it is again.” 

^Tlelp! help! murder!” 

^^Dick, we’ve got to take a hand in this/’ cried Tom. 
^Tt’s on the next street. Come, follow me. It sounds 
like a case of life and death. Come, Dick, to the res- 
cue!” 

^Tm with you, Tom.” 

And as fast as they could run the two young heroes 
started on their errand of mercy to succor the weak an J 
the needy in distress. 

They had but a few rods to go, and, turning into 
the street, beheld what seemed to be a man and a woman, 
screaming, assaulted by a gang of rough-looking fellows. 

The screams of the woman were growing feebler and 
more stifled. 

^^Dick,” said Tom, to the young man at his side, ^^a 
man and woman have been attacked by footpads. The 
man is down and the woman is struggling for her life. 
They are four to our two, but never mind the odds.” 

^T’m with you, Tom,” cried Dick, sturdily, as they 
rushed forward. 

^^Then let the scoundrels have it good and solid,” 
shouted Tom. 


22 


THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 


CHAPTEK II. 

THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 

F OP several montlis preceding tlie opening of our 
story there bad been many changes going on 
among the employes on the Lehigli. 
Conductors^ all along tlie line and even on the re- 
motest branches of the road had fallen under the axe; 
brakemen, engineers and trainmen of all grades had 
mingled in the ^^shake-up/’ as the boys called it. 

It was common talk everywhere, even in the news- 
papers, that the management of the railroad had dis- 
covered that an organized movement to defraud the road 
had for a long time existed and that a large number of 
formerly trusted employes were implicated. 

Robberies of freight cars in transit, and when side- 
tracked, were of frequent occurrence. Spurious tickets 
from passengers frequently came into the auditor's 
hands, and a dozen conductors were suspected of collusion 
Avith the gang which was swindling the road. 

Pinkerton detecth^es, in addition to the regular detec- 
tiYe force of the company, Avere set at Avork to get at 
the facts of the situation. 

Suspected employes AA^ere put under the closest sur- 
A'Tillance. 

Special meetings, at which the situation was the only 
subject discussed, Avere held at headquarters. 


THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 


23 

Tlie iiianagement was fully satisfied that the robberies 
and the ticket swindles were the work of an organized 
band of shrewd scoundrels. 

Strict silence and secrecy were observed at head- 
(}uarters for a long time, and a systematic effort was begun 
to get the facts. 

Two mondis went by and affairs continued Avithout a 
change for the better; in fact, the swindles slightly in- 
creased, if^ anything. 

Finally, a feAv of the conductors received notice that if 
spurious or defective tickets were turned in by them in- 
stant discharge would folloAv. All conductors received 
notice that spurious ticke;ts were afloat, and they were 
cautioned to be alert for them. 

Following this notice and warning to conductors came 
a season of quiet along the line. 

The Lehigh management since the fii’st arrival of the " 
spurious tickets, mostly through tickets from •connecting 
roads and from branch stations, had been in consultation 
with the officials of other lines Avhich suffered. 

Without avail the detectives worked. They failed sig- 
nally to get at the fountain head of the swindle. 

Another month passed and the tickets reappeared and 
’ ll ore robberies were reported. 

A general ^shake-up” of the men was ordered and put 
into effect. 

Old-timers were replaced by young men and the va- 
c ancies made by the promotions or transfers were filled by 
the old-timers. 

This action, for a time, apparently startled the oper- 


24 


THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 



atOTs of the railroad swindle and again there was quiet. 

The operation of the swindle was extensive, and re- 
ports came from all over the country that other roads 
were suffering. 

Kumor had it at last that the centre of the organization 
was in Chicago, -with branches, composed of dishonest 
employes, on every branch road. 

Altogether, the railroads affected had been victimized 
to the extent of hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

That the roibbers and swindlers kept posted about the 
movements of the Lehigh and other roads was manifested 
by the caution they displayed in wcjrking their game after 
the general ^^shake-up.^^ 

But they were not long inactive. Counterfeit tickets 
again became numerous. 

So well was the work executed that many of the most 
trusted and honest conductors accepted the tickets, and 
it was only when they were examined in the auditor’s de- 
partment that the fraud was discovered. 

The detectives w&re baffled completely. Thus far their 
work had been utterly in vain. 

One of the shrewdest young men of Pinkerton’s New 
York office was heart and soul engaged in the work. 

' Night and day Leon De Porrest struggled and la- 

1 bored to strike a clew. 

; From New York to Buffalo he rode back and forth, 
first by expresses and then by local trains. 

Next he tried his hand as a brakeman. For three 
weeks he was brakeman under Balph Foster, one of the 
oldest of the conductors. 


THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 


25 


Why De Forrest chose to brake on Foster’s train he 
never exactly knew. It may have been because he did 
not like the man’s personality. 

He had ridden on his train several times since under- 
taking the work in hand, and had been imp'ressed un- 
favorably with Foster’s general appearance. 

He had seen nothing to make him suspect Foster, but 
in the reports he had received from the railroad officials 
it was stated that Foster’s train was one on which many 
spurious tickets had been worked. 

It was owing to the fact that he was an experienced 
railroad man that De Forrest had been detailed to the 
work in hand. 

He received the required orders from the Lehigh head- 
quarters and went on duty on the Buffalo express. 

Somehow, on the first run out from Hew York, De 
Forrest, who went about his work like a veteran, re- 
ceived the impression that Foster looked upon him with 
suspicion. 

^^This impression,” he said to himself, ^^may be false, 
but, anyhow, I’ve got it and I’ll not be off my guatJ.” 

Things went along quietly with the detective for more 
than a week after he began his duties as a brakeman. 

Every night when the express arrived ut Easton De 
Forrest glanced toward the waiting room of the station 
and his eyes met those of a remarkably beautiful young- 
woman. A smile and a nod passed quickly between 
them and then she would walk quietly away, and the train 
was pulled on up the valley. 

Three times the detective was informed of countexffeit 


26 


TIlx^ DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 


tickets being taken by bis conductor. 

Whenever he could, De Forrest watched Foster as he 
gatliered the pasteboards. 

One night, when the train pulled out from South 
Plainfield station, in New Jersey, the detective decided 
to keep his eyes on the only passenger who got upon the 
train there. 

The man turned his back to the aisle of the car and 
the detective, finding an excuse to adjust one of the lamps 
at tlie top of the car, looked over his shoulder. 

Apparently, there was nothing suspicious in the fact 
that the man held two long strip coupon tickets, both 
reading to a Western city. 

The stranger examined the tickets carefully, turned 
them over, and scrutinized them intently front and 
back. 

Just then Foster came into the car. 

The detective saw the man quickly slide one of his 
tickets out of sight and when the conductor reached him 
he extended the other. 

Foster took the long strip, looked at it carelessly, and 
punched it a number of times. Suddenly he started 
almost imperceptibly and then examined the ticket once 
more. 

The detective watched him and the man in the seat. 

He saw what appeared to be a shade of nervousness 
appear on the latter’s face. 

Foster punched the ticket once moi’e and then handed 
it back to the passenger. 

Just then he met the eyes of the new brakeman 


THE. DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 2/ 

squarely. 

It seemed to the detective that the conductor’s eyes 
quailed a bit and that there was a flush on his cheek when 
he passed him. 

^^By heaven! I believe I have at last struck a clew that 
may lead to a discovery,” said De Forrest. ^^But, after 
all, I may have only imagined all this. I must know 
more.” 

From the rear of the passenger as he had looked over 
his shoulder the detective had seen the two tickets dis- 
tinctly and noted the destinaition and the numbers of 
them. 

One coupon had already been tom from each ticket. 

Both read: 

ELIZABETH, K J., 
to 

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 

A few minutes later the conductor again passed 
through the car, but, apparently, did not even glance at 
the new brakeman nor at the passenger with the Indian- 
apolis ticket. 

De Forrest had his eyes on both. 

Finally, Easton was reached. 

As usual, De Forrest looked toward the waiting room 
door. 

As usual, the young woman was on hand. 

Accompanying the detective’s bow and smile there was 
a jerk of his thumb over his shoulder toward the car. 

Then he assisted passengers to alight and aided others 
into the coach. 


28 


THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 


Among them was the young woman. 

She was neatly attired in a dark gray traveling cos- 
tume, and she carried a small traveler’s dressing case. 

^^Seventh on the right/’ whispered the detective as 
she passed him. 

Ten minutes later the train was rushing along the 
banks of the Lehigh River on its long journey toward 
Buffalo and Niagara Palls. 

Seated where she could watoh the movements of the 
passenger in the seat the ^^eventh on the right” was the 
beautiful stranger. 

Leon De Forrest passed her a dozen times in the next 
hour, and, apparently, there was no movement of recog- 
nition on the part of either of them. 

The woman seemed deeply interested in a magazine of 
recent date. 

Foster made his tour of ticket gathering, and when he 
reached the passenger for Indianapolis he stripped off a 
coupon from the yard of pasteboard and thrust it with 
other tickets into his capacious coat pocket. 

Three seats to the rear, on the left, sat the young wo- 
man. 

Foster held out his punch. 

She extended a ticket on which was printed 
^^EASTON TO BUFFALO.” 

^L\re you going right through?” asked the conductor. 
^^Sir?” 

^^Going to Buffalo mthout stopping off?” 

may perhaps stop off,” was the reply. 

^^lowfar?” 


THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 


20 


have not yet decided/’ 

^^Shall I punch to Wilkesbarre?” 

There was just a shade of embarrassment on her face 
as the young lady replied : 

^^Yes^jou may punch the ticket to Wilkesbarre.” 

Foster looked at the handsome face before him and^ 
then punching the ticket a number of times, wrote some- 
thing on the back -of it with a pencil and passed on. 

De Forrest, the detective, from the rear of the car, 
saw and also heard what between them and he muttered 
a curse beneath his breath. 

^^Confound the luck,” he said. ^Tester will remember 
her if he sees her again, and if it is necessary for her to 
go beyond Wilkesbarre he will keep a sharp eye on her. 
And we may be on the wrong track after all. Well, there 
is nothing to do but push on. I wish I dared to speak to 
her, but I can’t risk it. If Foster is suspicious of me it 
™uld make things squally all around, I’m afraid.” 

Was the detective on the right track? 

If he could have known what was passing through the 
mind of Ralph Foster he could have answered the 
question. 

And now the train was just leaving the Kttle village of 
AVhite Haven. 

Wilkesbarre was scheduled as the next stopping place 
for tlie express. 

As the train pulled away from White Haven a light 
freight followed it. 

A few miles further up the line was Bear Creek Junc- 
tion, whence a branch ran to the north to a mountain 


THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 


30 

hamlet. 

Just before the Jimction was reached De Forrest re 
ceived a signal from the young woman and hastened to 
her side. 

Before she could speak the train came to a sudden 
stop. 

Tlie detective was leaning over her seat, anxious to 
have a few words with her and to hear what she had to 
say to him. 

The sudden stopping of the train interrupted them. 

Foster, the conductor, suddenly looked into the car 
and saw them, arid it seemed as though his teeth closed to- 
gether with a snap. 

De Fondest jumj)ed to the rear of the car and caught up 
his lantern. 

Then he swung to the ground to discover the cause of 
the stopping of the train. 

Far ahead, in the darkness, he saw the red lights of a 
belated freight train, hauling onto the Bear Creek branch 
from the main line, to allow the express to pass. 

At a signal from Foster, De Forrest ran back down the 
tracks to flag the coming light freight. 

Away down the river he could see the approaching 
headlight of the engine. 

^^A quarter of a mile back” is the rule, and down the 
track the detective hustled with his lantern. 

He had gone, perhaps, three train lengths when from 
the whistle of the engine of the express came four long 
blasts — 

^^Too ! — too ! — too ! — too !” 


THE DESERTED BRAKEMAN. 


31 

It was tlic call for tlie brakeman to return. 

lie F orrest turned and ran with all speed for the train. 

Suddenly- he saw the distance widen between them. 

The express had started. 

He made a gallant effort, but it was useless. 

The express gathered headway and was soon out of 
sight around a curve in the road a mile away. 

^^Curse you, Foster,’’ cried the detective, fiercely; ^^you 
were suspicious of me and now you are bound to show 
your hand. You have deliberately left me here, and now 
jT)u shall pay for this. Damn you, you shall pay for 
this!” and he shook his clenched fist in the direction 
the train that had gone. 


32 


JUST IN TIME. 


CHAPTEE III. 

JUST IN TIME. 

S HOULDEE to shoulder Gilt-Edge Tom and 
Dick Clay sprang forward to answer the sum- 
mons for help. 

Prostrate upon the ground lay the body of the man 
who had fallen before the attack of the four scoundrels 
who were now struggling to overcome his companion. 

The woman was struggling with all her strength and at 
the same time she screamed for help. 

^Eet them have it hard!’’ shouted Gilt-Edge Tom as he 
and Dick closed in upon the quartet. ^^We’re just in 
time.” 

Hearing the approach of the two young men two of the 
footpads turned away from the woman to receive their 
attack. 

But scarcely had they turned than Tom’s iron fist was 
dashed into the face of the nearest man and like a log he 
fell to the ground. 

Dick Clay was not quite so successful with his man and 
his first blow was returned most forcibly. 

The next minute his man closed with him and threw 
him heavily to eurth. 

Over and over the two men rolled^ kicking and strug- 
gling for vantage. 

Gilt-Edge Tom, as soon as he felled his man, turned 


JUST IN TIME. 


33 


again to the woman’s aid. 

Her cries had now ceased and she lay silently, ap- 
parently limp and insensible, in the arms of one of her 
assailants. 

The third man viciously turned upon Gilt-Edge Tom 
and aimed a stout blow with a black jack at his head. 

Tom avoided the blow and the next instant caught the 
villain a powerful, swinging blow under the left ear 
which sent him to earth with his comrade. 

The fourth man was now deserving of Tom’s attention. 

Dick Clay and his foe were still struggling in the mid- 
dle of the street. 

Seeing that he was left alone to finish the battle the 
fourth footpad dropped his inanimate burden and at top 
speed ran away as if his life depended upon the rapidity 
of his flight. 

With a thud the woman’s form struck the earth and 
lay without movement. 

^T’ve silenced my bird,” suddenly came from Dick 
Clay, and then, ragged and dirty and bleeding, he strug- 
gled to his feet, leaving a similar bundle of blood and 
:tg‘s, from which emanated deep groans, in the mud of 
the street. 

^^Are you hurt, my boy?” asked Tom anxiously, glanc- 
ing hurriedly at Dick’s battered appearance as it could 
be dimly seen in the glimmer of the uncertain street 
lights. 

^‘ISTot much,” was Dick’s reply. ^Dnly shaken up a lit- 
tle and slightly soiled from contact with the dirt. My 
nose is swelling some and I think there may be a couple 


34 


JUST IN TIME. 


of scratches on my face. But on the whole I think Ihii all 
right. How^s the woman?’’ 

‘^Dunno/’ was Gilt-Edge Tom’s reply, %ut I guess 
she has only fainted. I do not think she is hurt at all,” 
and as he spoke Tom knelt at her side and discovered that 
she was resuming consciousness. 

J ust then the two men who had fallen under his blows 
struggled dizzily to their feet and as Dick Clay turned 
upon them they staggered off down the street like drunk- 
en men. 

^Det them go,” said he to himself. ^They are badly 
used up.” 

He now turned his attention to the man who had been 
stricken down by the footpads. 

As Dick Clay reached his side he uttered a cry of sur- 
prise and cried: 

^^Say, Tom, this fellow is one of the Lehigh boys. He 
has his railroad uniform on. There is some mystery here. 
Who would want to attack any of us fellows? It can’t be 
for robbery. We never have money enough to tempt a 
gang like this.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom did not reply. 

The young woman was fast regaining consciousness 
and he was busy with thoughts of his own. 

He could not see the woman’s face very distinctly, 
but he saw enough to make liim realize that she was of re- 
markable beauty and, further than that, her dress had the 
appearance of a woman of respectability and refinement. 

A second searching look into her face, and he re- 
membered that in the past few weeks he had frequently 


JUST IN TIME. 


35 


seen her at the Lehigh Valley railroad station at Easton, 
and had several times seen her as a passenger on his train 
between Easton and South Bethlehem. 

Each time that he had seen her the young conductor 
liad been deeply impressed with her beauty and had more 
than once wished that he had the privilege of an in- 
troduction. 

Somehow he had been further impressed with the be- 
lief that the young woman had closely observed him each 
time she had travelled on his train. 

He delicately unfastened the close-fitting fastenings at 
her throat and chafed her hands and wrists. 

Slowly she regained consciousness. 

First a gasp for air and then her eyes opened. 

She looked upward at Tom with a steady, wondering 
stare and then a shade of terror passed across the lovely 
face. 

Her lips opened and then arose a piercing shriek. 

^^DonT be afraid/^ said Tom, quietly, endeavoring to 
calm the woman. ^Tou are with friends now. Rise to 
your feet and have no further fear. Your assailants have 
been driven away.’’ 

Another shriek was on the woman’s hysterical lips but 
at Tom’s words it died away unuttered and with his as- 
sistance she rose to her feet and leaned heavily upon 
him. 

^^My brother!” she suddenly cried. ^^My brother! What 
has become of him?” 

Somehow he could not tell exactly why, the words sent 
a thrill through Gilt-Edge Tom’s mind. 


36 


JUST IN TIME. 


is in the hands of my chum/^ said Tom quietly.l 
e will attend to him now ourselves. Dick, how goes 
it?’^ 

^^All right, my boy,^’ came the cheery answer. ^This 
chap it coming round all right. I guess he is not badly 

The next moment the woman gathering her scattered 
energies rushed from Tom’s supporting arms and threw 
herself down beside the prostrate man. 

^^Say, Tom,” cried Dick suddenly, think I know this 
chap now. He is a brakeman on Humber 3, Foster’s 
train, you know.” 

^AATiat’s his name?” 

^^Dnnno, Forrester, I think his name is,” was Dick’s 
reply. 

^^Say, you, what’s the row there?” suddenly demand- 
ed a gruff voice and a policeman came swaggering up to 
our two friends in a threatening manner. 

‘AVhat’s the matter with you?” retorted Gilt-Edge 
Tom. ^AVhere have you been for the last half hour? 
How does it happen that a woman can shriek her lungs 
out for help and two citizens can come to her assist- 
ance and knock out a gang of footpads long before you 
make your presence known thereabouts?” 

^^Hey! what’s this?” shouted the patrolman in an ex- 
cited manner. 

^‘Attend to that wretch in the gutter there,” said Tom. 
can take care of ourselves.” 

The woung wmman when she knelt at the side of the 
young man she called her brother gave a glad cry. 


JUST IN TIME. 


37 


The young man was apparently regaining conscious- 
ness and he recognized her when she spoke to him. Al- 
though still dazed he rose to a sitting position supported 
by Dick Clay’s strong arm. A moment later he stood 
upon his feet. 

The police officer stood over the man who had been 
knocked out by Dick Clay and was roughly shaking him. 

^^Let up/’ cried the ruffian. ^Tet up. I’ve had enough. 
Don’t hit me no more. Say, can’t yer let up when a feller 
caves?” 

The puzzled policeman, who had been enjoying him- 
self during the last half hour in a tenement house kitchen 
with the charming cook, shook the wretch and kicked him 
a couple of times for emphasis. 

^^Say, you’re no good,” groaned the victim. ^T’m done 
up an’ I caves and so let up, won’t you?” 

^^Yes, let up on him,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. ^^Things 
have come out all right and we can get along now without 
assistance.” 

In a low voice then he spoke to Dick Clay and to the 
two strangers. 

“Come,” he said. “I live right here. Let us go and re^ 
move the evidences of this unpleasant alfair.” 

“I’ll help this chap along,” said Dick. “You two go 
on ahead.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom stepped to the side of the lately arrived 
policeman and said to him quietly: 

“Say nothing about this affair and I’ll say nothing 
about you. You know me?” 

“Yes, sir; I recognized you, sir, all right. And between 


38 JUST IN TIME. 

US mum’s the word.” 

Five minutes later the party were at Tom’s cottage 
home. 

Tom entered first and caused his mother much surprise 
when he announced that Dick and a young man and 
Avoman who had been saved from footpads were Avithout. 

^They all three need soap and water and perhaps other 
assistance/’ said Tom. 

^^Bring them right in/’ said his mother, and his sister 
Kellie hastened to fill a basin Avith Avater, according to 
Tom’s suggestions. 

Dick Clay’s predicament Avas ludicruous. 

He Avas covered from head to foot Avith mud and rags. 

His cap had lost half its visor, the sleeves of his coat 
Avere .slit and torn, his vest Avas split doAvn the back and 
had not a button left. His collar Avas gone, and his shirt 
Avas fit only for bandages. 

His face Avas cut, bruised and scratched in a dbzen 
places, one eye Avas discolored, and his nose Avas SAVollen 
to tAvice its normal size. 

From head to foot he Avas smeared Avith blood, which 
had flowed from his battered countenance. 

Tom could not help laughing and cried out: ^^Dick, 
you’re a peach! Your man was a star. You’re features 
are pushed in for fair!” 

^‘And to think tliat I am papa’s only boy,” draAvled 
Dick, as he helped Leon De Forrest, for he Avas the res- 
cued man, to a seat. 

The detective AA^as still in a dazed and beAvildered condi- 
tion, 


JUST IN TIME. 


39 


Tlie young woman, who had called him her brother in 
her excitement, as soon as she acknowledged Mrs. Verne’s 
welcome, went to his side and in a broken voice asked if 
he thought he was badly hurt. 

^Mle is my brother,” said the young woman to Tom. 
^Tle is a brakeman on the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Our 
names are” — ^here she hesitated a moment and her gaze 
fell full on Gilt-Edge Tom’s noble face. ^^Why, sir,” she 
said, suddenly interrupting herself. know you; you 
are Mr. Verne. Gilt-Edge Tom, the conductor, I be- 
lieve?” 

^^Yes, at your service,” replied Tom, bov/ing; ^^and 
your names are ?” 

^'Leon and Grace De Forrest,” was the answer. 

Tom introduced his mother and sister and the tattered, 
disreputable appearing Dick Clay. 

The semi-informal introduction over, the next half 
hour was spent in repairing the dam'age to the three 
young people — Leon, Dick and Grace. 

Ton;L had at once made a careful examination of the 
detective’s wounded head, and decided that a doctor was 
needed. 

^ Y"eur brother is badly hurt,” he had said to the young 
woman, and then he went at once for a surgeon. 

On his arrival with the man of medicine he found Dick 
looking more presentable and clothed in a cast-off suit of 
Tom’s clothing. 

Grace De Forrest was seated in a comfortable chair 
and Nellie Verne was bathing her head with violet 
water. 


40 


JUST IN TIME. 


Mrs. Yeme was performing a similar office for Leon 
De Forrest. 

Dick Clay was gazing with a forlorn expression at his 
reflection in a mirror. 

A hasty examination by the doctor disclosed the fact 
that the detective was seriously injured. 

The blow which had stricken him down had caused a 
fracture of the skull, and from the nature of the wound 
it appeared to have been made with a blackjack. 

^Ts this young man to remain here?’’ he asked of 
Tom. 

^A"es, if he needs treatment/’ said Gilt-Edge Tom, 
promptly. 

^^He will need careful treatment,” said the doctor. ^Tt 
will be well to have him at once placed comfortably in 
bed.” 

^Afother,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, will take him to 
my room. Lend a hand, Dick.” 

Doctor French saw Dick Clay’s battered countenance, 
and mth a smile he said : 

think there is anotlier who needs attention. Mr. 
Yeme, you and I can attend to tliis patient first and then 
we will look after the others.” 

^^Dick, you are excused,” was Tom’s reply. 

ust a minute, please,” said Grace De Forrest, hasti- 
ly. ^^Canuiot I attend to him?” 

^^After he has been placed in a comfortable position 
you may lend you aid,” said the doctor. 

The young woman rose from her seat and going to 
her brother’s side stood over him for a moment and 


JUST IN TIME. 


41 


hastily thrust her hand under his coat. 

When the hand with withdrawn Tom thought he saw 
a shining bit of metal in her half-closed palm. 

Shortly afterwards his keen eyes saw her slip some- 
thing that glistened like a silver dollar into the bosom o-f 
her dress. 


42 


FOSTER snows HIS COLORS. 


CHAPTER IV. 

I FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 

L eon he EORREST, when he fully realized 
that he had been deserted by the express, after 
he had been sent back to flag the approaching 
light freight, shook his flst in the direction of the receding 
train and heaped maledictions on the head of Ralph 
Foster, the conductor. 

It is not a very unusual, thing for a brakeman to be 
left behind by a train in cases of emergency, but in the 
present instanoce it seemed to the young detective that 
the action was utterly uncalled for and was the result of 
deliberate intent on the part of Foster. 

More than ever the young man now believed that Fos- 
ter had been suspicious of him from the first. 

Nothing had actually arisen to make the conductor 
have occasion for such a sentiment. 

^^Nothing,’’ said De Forrest to himself, ^^unless it is 
a guilty conscience. I am sure now that Foster is in the 
ring I am seeking to find, else why ami I so impressed by 
these recent simple occurrences? He wanted to get me 
out of the way for a purpose to-night and chance gave 
]]im the opportunity. I wish I had had a chance to 
speak to Grace. I wonder what she will do now? No 
matter, she knows enough about things to do just what 
should be done and I will find some word from her at 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


43 


Wilkesbarre. I must get there as soon as I can and will 
then do what routine duty as a brakeman demands^ or — 
well, Foster will bear future watching. Here comes 
the freight.^’ 

With a couple of swings of his lantern the detective 
caused the light freight to slow down for a passenger. 

He reported at once to the conductor of the freight 
and an hour later reached the freight yard at Wilkes- 
barre. 

Hurrying through the network of tracks to the pas- 
senger station he looked about for his sister, for, as the 
reader already knows, it was 'she who was assisting him 
in his night’s work. 

To his great satisfaction he discovered the young lady 
seated in the waiting room. 

Leon walked rapidly through the room , apparently 
without noticing her, but as he passed he coughed to at- 
tract her attention. 

Then he left the station and made his way on to the 
main street of the city. 

He sauntered slowly along and finally paused in a 
doorway and waited. 

Five minutes later he was joined by Grace. 

knew that you would soon come,” said she, greeting 
her brother affectionately. decided that it was best 
to leave the express and wait for you. Are we watched?” 

don’t know,” was Leon’s reply, %utl fear that we 
have roused the suspicions of the men we are after.” 

^Wes, there is no doubt of that,” said Grace, with a 
smile. ^Tester showed that he was suspicious by the way 


44 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


he left you behind to-night. Just as soon as you left the 
car he came past me’ and glanced very sharply at me and 
then he went to the door and looked out as if to see how 
far away you were. Suddenly the whistle sounded from 
the engine and without the loss of a second he gave the 
signal to go ahead, and the train started away, flying.^’ 

^ Jt was done deliberately. I had plenty of time to get ' 
back to the train if he had done the right thing/’ said 
Leon. ^^What happened after that?” 

^^No'thing of consequence except one thing. Just be- 
fere the train arrived at Wilkesbarre Foster came 
through my car and when he reached my seat he stopped 
as if hesitating about something and then glancing at me 
as if by accident he said : 

^Let me see your ticket was — ’ 

^Wilkesbarre/ said I, and then he started to move 
away but stopped again and said : 

Was it a stop over on a Buffalo ticket?’ 

Wes/ I replied. 

Wou have now decided to stop off?’ 

Wes/ was my answer. 

J thought you would/ said he, and I thought there 
was a hidden meaning in his words.” 

‘Wes,” said Leon, “I think there was and I think it is 
well that you did stop over. There is no longer any 
doubt in my mind that Foster will bear watching. He is 
a guilty man.” 

“It’s one thing to say so, but it’s another to prove it,” 
said Grace. 

“Did you notice whether he had his eye on you when 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


45 


you left the train Leon asked. 

^^Yes, he did/’ was the reply. ^^Ile saw me enter the 
station and when I did so he spoke to a man wdio Avas 
standing at the forward end of the smoking car and he 
nodded his head in my direction. When I saw this I i::i' 
mediately dropped niy veil.” 

^^Grace/” said Leon earnestly, Sve have aroused the 
enemy for sure. The game has opened. My, but they 
are sharp ones and they are even suspicious of shadov/3. 
It will be a hard chase and I fear in the future that tlicre 
will be an element of danger mingled with the excite- 
ment.” 

^Wes,” said the young w^oman in a serious tone, ^^and 
now that they have shown that they are suspicious of us it 
will be harder for us to do our wwk.” 

‘^Our work no longer,” said Leon. Mt shall be my 
W'Crk in the future. You remember, Grace, that o:ir 
agreement was that you should help me only so long 
as there was no danger in the case. You must now g:o 
back home. I will not have you run into danger.” 

^^1^0, Leon, I’ve started and I’ll stick to the last. I’m 
not afraid.” 

^^jSTo, not afraid, but you cannot fight treachery such as 
I fear will be attempted. This gang is a most powerful 
one and I believe that they will not hesitate even at mur- 
der if they find that l^hey are in danger of discovery.” 

Grace Avas silent. 

After a pause Leon in the same low tone in which 
the rest of their conversation had been carried on asked : 
asked: 


46 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


^^Did you liave a good look at the man Foster spoke 
to?’^ 

^^Not particularly, but I was impressed with the belief 
that I have seen him before.’’ 

^ Would you know him again?” 
think so.” 

^^Describe him to me.” 

^^He was about forty years old, tall, good looking — ” 

She stopped suddenly and clutched her brother tightly 
by the arm. 

‘TiOok,” she whispered. Across the street. There he 
is now. That’s the man. We are watched.” 

^^Confound them, but they mean mischief,” muttered 
the detective. 

Across the street, hiding in the darkest shadows, I^o 
De Forrest, as his sister directed, saw a man who was ap- 
parently watching the doorway in which they stood hid- 
den from view. 

^^Grace, have you got all that we need in your dressing 
ease ?” the detective suddenly asked. 

^Wes, I think so. Tour hat and coat and my skiii: and 
shawl,” she replied. 

^^Good! Let’s have them at once.” 

Three minutes later, in place of his uniform cap, Leon 
De Forrest wore -a broad-brimmed slouch hat and over 
his blue coat he wore a long mackintosh. On his smooth 
upper lip he adjusted a false moustache. 

Grace De Forrest over her gray traveling skirt-wore a 
black garment and across her shoulders she threw a light 
shawl. In place of flie stylish hat she had worn was a 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


47 


jaunty straw sailor Imt. Her veil was closely drawn. 

Tlieir general appearance was completely changed. 

Just at that moment a neighboring clock struck mid- 
night. 

^^Grace/’ said the detective, ^Ve have nothing else to 
do but to go back down the road and let things rest for 
a few days. I am supposed to take number 5 on to Buf- 
falo and join the train there for the return run, but Idl 
be hanged if Vll do it now even to try and keep up ap- 
pearances. Idl simply throw up my job and let Foster 
and his gang think that I acknowledge myself beaten and 
that I’ve quit the game. That is, supposing it to be true 
that we have been on the right lay to-night.” 

^Ts that best?” 

think so;” then after a pause he added; ^bve can 
take number 6 from here to-night at 2.30 and^go as far 
as Allentown together — not exactly together — but on 
the same train. At Allentown I will get off and come 
along on number 8 ten minutes later. At South 
Bethlehem you can change from number 6 to number 
8 and we will go into Easton together and remain 
there until I decide on our next move.” 

^^Very well. We will do as you think best.” 

Across the street from where the two young people 
stood the man who appeared to be watching them re- 
mained motionless in the shadows. 

Leon De Forrest saw this with no kindly thoughts in 
his mind. 

He knew that as long as the watcher believed his 
quarry to be near him it would be impossible for them to 


48 FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 

leave their hiding place without being observed. 

How far their disguises would deceive the enemy he 
could but surmise. 

^^It will be no good/’ was the detective’s inward 
thought. ^^He will be sure we are fhe people he wants 
just the same. Ha! I have a scheme. Here comes a 
trolley car for Scranton. We will take that, go as far as 
Pittston, and then come down from there on number 6. 
If we are followed, mo matter.” 

Stepping boldly from their concealment, Leon hailed 
the car and togther they boarded it. 

They had scarcely taken seats when the tall sti’anger 
sprang onto the platform from his side of the street. 

Leon dimly saw him in the crowd on the platform, and 
was at last positive without the shadow of a doubt that 
he had finally struck the trail of the railroad swindlers. 

Again the thought of danger to himself and his sister 
crowded into his mind. 

For himself he feared nothing, but for her he was filled 
with distressing forebodings. 

At the next street comer the detective signalled to the 
conductor of the car and then they alighted. 

Their watcher also left tlie car and when they re- 
traced their way toward the railway station he was not 
far behind them. 

^^Trouble in the air I” muttered the yoimg man. 

All attempts to throw their shadow off the track for the 
present Leon decided would be wasted effort. 

He therefore determined to wait for the eiast-bound 
train, due at 2.30, and boldly board it on arrival. 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


49 


Promptly on time the train came into the station from 
the west. 

Grace and Leon took seats together in a comfortable, 
well-equipped coach, and prepared for the three-hour ride 
ahead of them. 

Finally, tlie train was pulled away from tire station 
and the hard climb over the mountains began. 

The detective had with him his employe’s pass. His 
sister was provided with a local ticket from Wilkesbarre 
to New York. 

^Tickets, please!” 

There was something in the voice which followed the 
opening of the car door that caused Leon De Forrest, and 
his sister as well, to give a start of surprise. 

The conductor of the train was Ralph Foster. 

What’s the meaning of this?” asked the detective of 
himself. ^^This is not regular? Foster must have re- 
ceived special orders to-night.” 

^Tickets, please.” 

Foster stood beside them and held forth his punch. 

Without looking up Grace held out her ticket. 

Foster took the pasteboard and glancing quickly at the 
two passengers clicked his punch a few times without 
perforating the card and then thrust it into his pocket. 

Leon De Forrest saw the irregular act and made a men- 
tal memorandum of the fact. 

^Wour ticket, please.” 

Foster was addressing the detective. 

De Forrest was in quandary. 

He could not now use his employe’s pass mthotit dis- 


50 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


closing his identity to Foster. He could not fathom the 
result. 

He could not pay a cash fare, as, unfortunately, he had 
less than a dollar in cash in his clothes. 

There was but one thing to do. 

He said to Grace in an undertone: ^Tay him for me.’’ 

Grace was supplied with ample funds, and from her 
purse she drew a five-dollar note and handed it to the 
conductor. 

^^Hew York?” he asked. 

^^Allentown!” said Grace. 

Foster looked slightly surprised, but until he had made 
change and given a cash receipt he said nothing. Then 
he asked: 

^Hid you wish to stop at Allentown? Yours was a 
Hew York ticket?” 

/^Ho,” said she. then she added as she heard a faint 
whisper in her ear, will stop at South Bethlehem.” 

Foster for a moment seemed perplexed. Then his 
hand went into his pocket and he drew forth several tick- 
ets. 

Selecting one he wrote on the back of the same, ^^Good 
from South Bethlehem to New York,” and he handed it 
to Grace, then he passed on through the car. 

When he had gone Leon, leaned over and whispered 
to his sister: 

^Tate favors us. We have got the 'first tangible 
proof. 

Allentown!” 

^^Change at Bethlehem,” said Leon as he left the car. 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 5 1 

When he stepped to the platform of the station Kalph 
Foster stood beside him. 

By accident, as the detective passed him, the buttons 
of his mackintosh slipped from their fastenings and his 
coat opened sufficiently to expose to Foster’s view a row 
of V.” buttons. 

In an effort to close the mackintosh before the hidden 
uniform could be seen the detective unfortunately stinick 
his sleeve against his insecure false moustache and it fell 
from his lip. 

Foster recognized him immediately. 

^The devil! De Forrest what are you doing in this 
rig?” he demanded. 

^Wou left me behind last night and now I’m going to 
quit the business. I didn’t want any of the boys to know 
me. That’s all,” was the detective’s ready reply. 

^Wou lie!” said Foster, hotly. ^^You are a spy. I 
know you and I give you fair warning that you want to 
look out for yourself. My advice to you now is to get 
out of this section right away.” 

^Yhank you,” said the detective calmly, don’t need 
your advice, and seeing now that we’ve had this pleasant 
chat I’ll change my original plans and ridQ aways fur- 
ther with you, Mr. Foster.” And as he spoke the young 
man threw off his mackintosh and §tood revealed in his 
full uniform with the- exception of the cap. 

Then as the train began to move he climbed aboard 
and reseated himself with his sister who was somewhat 
surprised at his return. 

Before Foster came for ^Tickets” Leon explained the 


52 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


situation to her and said that it was all owing to his own 
blundering carelessness. 

Since leaving Wilkesbarre nothing had been seen of 
the man who had there watched their every movement, 
but that he was on the train De Forrest had no doubt. 

This time upon a request from Foster for a ticket the 
detective presented his pass. 

After leaving South Bethlehem Foster looked through 
the train in vain for his two unwelcome passengers. 

They were not to be found. 

^They have gone to Philadelphia,” he muttered, and 
the thought made' him uncomfortable. 

The headquarters of the Lehigh Valley railroad are 
in the Quaker City. 

But Foster was mistaken. 

Grace and Leon reached Easton scarcely three minutes 
behind Foster. They came into that city as the detec- 
tive had originally intended on train number 8. 

Every step they had taken to the time they reached 
their temporary lodgings in Easton was watched by the 
tall man who had followed them from Wilkesbarre. 

The day passed quietly with the brother and sister de- 
tectives. 

Late in the evening they left their lodgings unsus- 
picious of danger. 

Subsequently their way led them through Fourth 
street. 

Suddenly a heavy footstep was heard in their rear. 

Leon turned quickly. But too late! A crushing blow 
felled him to earth. 


FOSTER SHOWS HIS COLORS. 


53 


Grace screamed in piercing tones and then found her- 
self besieged by four villainous riifhans who endeavored 
to overpower her and stifle her cries for assistance. 


f 


54 


“I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGF TOM/' 


CHAPTER V. 

CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOm/^ 

F or nearly two weeks after the night he was so 
cruelly stricken down by the gang of footpads, 
Leon De Forrest lay near death’s door. 

His injuries proved to be more serious than was at first 
supposed and had it not been for the great skill of Doctor 
French’s treatment they would doubtless have jirovcd 
fatal. 

The blow of the blackjack had been a most vicious 
one and apparently had been given with intent to kill. 

At Gilt-Edg^ Tom’s direction the stricken detes^tive 
had been placed in the young conductor’s owr^ room, the 
most pleasant and cheerful room in the cottage, and had 
there remained to receive medical attendance. 

Doctor French visited his patient many times a day 
during the first week and not until the young man 
showed sign of improvement did he diminish the fre- 
quency of his calls. 

Grace De Forrest, fearful for the worst, remained con- 
stantly at her brother’s bedside and proved a devoted and 
skillful nurse. 

Between Grace and Nellie Yerne feelings of strong 
friendship were kindled and Tom’s generous and sympa- 
thetic sister greatly aided in making the sufferer com- 
fortable on hi© bed of pain. 


"I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM. 


55 


Strangers thongli the detective and his sister had been 
previous to the night of Tom’s birthday, the noble young 
conductor immediately made them welcome guests and 
his mother and Nellie joined him in making Grace De 
Forrest feel that she was not a trespasser. 

On the morning after the attack she had declared that 
she could not permit her brother and herself to remain 
at the Verne cottage, stating that she felt that it would be 
an imposition on their hospitality. 

But Gilt-Edge Tom before he left the cottage to take 
charge of his train on its arrival at Easton had so de- 
cidedly declared that there should be no removal of the 
man to the hospital that she had yielded. 

“Your brother,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, “is one of us. He 
can remain right where he is. He is a brother employe 
to me and that fact alone would make him Avelcome 
here. Tom Verne never yet saw a Lehigh boy in distress 
and refused to stand by .him ^Jien he was deserving. 
No, Miss De Forrest, here he stays until Doctor French 
says he is a- well man. Not only is he welcome to the 
humble offering that I have to make, but so are you. 
You are strangers in Easton and I canot permit either of 
you to refuse the welcome I extend. Mother and Nel- 
lie both join me in this, and, believe me, you will not im- 
pose the slightest inconvenience upon us.” 

AVith tears in her eyes Grace De Forj-est thanked the 
young man and believing/that her suffering brother 
would be more comfortable under the hospitable roof of 
the A^erne cottage than at a public place, she consented 
to the arrangement. ; 


$6 ‘‘I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM.” 

Mrs. Verne very soon began to greatly admire the 
young woman and as she saw the devotion with which 
Grace attended to her brother this admiration increased. 

When ISTellie Verne manifested a sisterly regard to 
their new guesb although she was a stranger^ the mother 
saw no reason to utter a caution. 

Grace told Mrs. Verne and to Gilt-Edge Tom she told 
the same story, that her brother had not long been an em- 
ploye in the Lehigh. * 

‘^Leon/’ said she, ^Tormerly worked on a western road, 
but left that part of the country to accept a position in 
New York. A short time ago,’’ she went on in explana- 
tion, ^Le decided to go back to his former employment. 
I have kept house for him in New York. Our parents 
are both dead.” This in a tone of sadness, further than 
this she said no more of herself and no questions were 
asked of her. 

Mrs. Verne looked no deeper behind what seemed to be 
a screen of secrecy. 

Gilt-Edge Tom, when he first saw Leon De Eorrest 
under a full glow of light, had studied his features care- 
fully, and had instantly decided that he was an honest 
and manly fellow. 

Of the sister he formed a most creditable opinion. Her 
Iionest face, in his eyes more beautiful than even his be- 
loved sister Nellie’s, had already made a deep impression 
upon him. 

But that there was something that Grace De Eorrest 
v/islied to conceal about her brother’s and her own idem 
t ‘ he was certain. 


CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM.*’ 57 

After slie had made her truthful but guarded and in- 
complete statement about herself the young conductor 
jiondered deeply upon the subject. 

^^There is a mystery here/^ he muttered. - ^‘^She does 
hot tell us all. But -why should she? We are strangers 
and have no special business, even under the unusual 
circumstan(^es which have brought us together, to ask to 
know more than she volunteers. She is a stranger here, 
yet I am sure IVe seen her a dozen times at the railroad 
station and on my train. If she has been keeping house 
for her brother in Xew York what the deuce brings her 
to Easton and west , of here so often? It’s none of my 
business, but I’d like to ask her a few questions.” 

Then he thought for the hundredth time of the simple 
incident at the time Leon was about to be taken to his 
room. 

'Why did she thrust her hand into his waistcoat? What 
was it that she took away from him? I’ll give that ques- 
tion up. hTo, I won’t! At last I’ve solved the problem, 
it was some valuable jewel and she thought it safest in her 
own keeping. By Jove! my boy, when you get a chance 
ask her if she thought she had fallen among thieves,” 
and then he smiled to himself at the thought. 

Every night, after his return from his day’s run, Dick 
Clay made a brief visit to the Verne cottage to see Tom 
and inquire concerning Leon De Forrest’s welfare. 

For a week after his encounter with the assailants of 
the detective Dick Clay bore marks showing the violence 
with which he had battled with one of the scoundrels. 

Ills eye remained iu niourning and his nose appeared 


58 


I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM.’ 


<< 


more prominent than nsiial. 

His usual good looks were sadly marred in consequence 
and his fellow employes had a good deal of fun at his 
expense. 

Hone of them discovered the true cause of his mal- 
treatment and Dick refused to enlighten them. 

Hellie Verne, whose admiration for Dick was very 
great, wore a sad expression every time she gazed at his 
battered countenance, but this disappeared with the grad- 
ual effacement of cause. 

To Grace De Forrest she confidentially remarked that: 
^^Dick is a handsome fellow when his face is all right. 
How he is a fright.’’ 

Grace readily saw that Dick Clay was much favored in 
Hellie’s eyes, and asked het, with sisferly interest, if Dick 
had ever shown perference for her above other girls. 

The question caused Hellie Verne much surprise, and 
it was several moments before she realized its import. 

^^Dick Clay care for me?” she exclaimed, her face 
flushing crimson witb confusion. ^^What an idea. Of 

course not. I only wish he ” then she stopped and 

hid her blushes in her hands. A moment later she re- 
covered her composure and with a laugh she cried: did 
not mean it. Dick’s only my brother’s chuni; that’s all.” 

But Grace had read the young girl’s secret. 

After this Grace De Forrest began to give quite a deal 
of attention to an effort to study Dick Clay’s characf er. 

From the first she was prejudiced in his favor. 

For her sake, and for the sake of her brother Leon, 
Dick Clay had suffered at the hands of the villains who 


‘'I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM.' 


59 


liacl attacked them. 

As hTellie Verne had truly said, Dick Clay was a hand- 
some young man, although as she had first seen him this 
fact was scarcely apparent. 

She watched tlie young man furtively many times, and 
was not long in deciding that Dick Clay, if it were pos- 
sible, had greater regard for Nellie Verne than for his 
chum, her brother. 

Grace often smiled to see the lingering expression in 
Dick’s eyes when Nellie passed from his presence. 

^^Tliey will come to an understanding some fine day,” 
she said to herself, but said never a word to Nellie. 

And Dick Clay did dream of the day when he would 
tell his heart’s secret to Nellie Verne. 

^^She is too good for a fellow like me,” he said again 
and again. ^^I’ve known her all my life. She’s like Tom. 
My ! but they are a noble pair. I don’t wonder that Mrs. 
Verne loves her children so fondly^ Gilt-Edge Tom’s 

equal never stood in two shoes, and Nellie If I can 

rise a step or two higher up the ladder of fortune I’ll tell 
her and if she’ll have me I’ll do my best to make her 
]iappy.” 

That was Dick Clay’s dream as he told it to himself 
every night after he left the sweet girl’s presence, and 
many a time during the long hours that he passed be- 
tween his visits. 

It was in the evening of the tenth day after she had first 
accepted the hospitality of Tom Verne that Doctor 
French told to Grace De Forrest the joyful news that her 
brother was at last out of danger, 


6o 


‘'I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM.’ 


Since the blow had been given the young detective had 
remained unconscious to his oonditi6n and surroundings. 

ISTot once had he spoken a rational word. Frequently 
he had talked incoherently and raved in delirium. 

Often she heard, as she sat by his bedside, words that 
made her heart throb with pain. 

Ralph Foster appeared to be often in Leon’s dreamy 
thought. 

A score of times she heard the young detective feebly 
say: 

^^Curse you, Foster, you shall pay foi; this! You have 
deliberately left me behind. You were suspicious.” 

^^Always thinking of the night he was deserted by that 
conductor,” said Grace. ^^Leon was on the right trail, I 
firmly believe. Foster is one of the conductors we are 
after. I have found two who do not need watching. 
They are honest. If Leon did not suffer so I would almost 
be tempted to say that it was worth the price we are pay- 
ing to have discovered them. Two honest men like Gilt- 
Edge Tom and Dick Clay it is^a pleasure to find in this 
wicked world.” 

At supper that evening, after Tom Verne had asked 
Grace how her brother had passed the day, he made 
casual remark that interested her greatly. 

caught a woman working a counterfeit ticket on 
me to-day,” he said. 

^AVhat do you mean?” asked Nellie, and Grace De 
Forrest listened eagerly for what might follow. 

‘'Dunce !” said Tom, with a laugh; ^hlo you know what 
a counterfeit dollar is?” 


CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM. 


6 ! 


^^1 don’t know as I do/’ was the retort. cannot re 
member ever ha^dng seen one. AVhat is it?” 

Gilt-Edge Tom dropped his knife and fork in a]>- 
parent disgust and turned an appealing look towarc. 
Grace. 

^^Did you ever see such a girl as tliat?” he asked. 

Grace laughed lightly, and then taking advantage ol 
the opportunity she said : 

. cannot answer that question, Mr. Verne, except by 
asking another, and by that disclosing the fact thaL 
!Vellie is not the only ^dunce’ at this table. I have heard 
of and seen counterfeit dollars; now my question is, are 
railroad tickets counterfeited as money is?” 

Before her brother could reply, iSTellie Verne broke in 
with: 

^^Brother Tom, you are no longer my brother. I will 
not acknowledge the kinship to anyone who calls me anc[ 
my friends ^dunce’ or ^dunces.’ Is everybody in this 
world supposed to know as much as you think you know?” 

Mrs. Verne, as on many a previous occasion, gazed 
with mock seriousness at her children and then Grace 
caught a merry sparkle from her eye. 

cannot couverse with you,” answered Tom, ^Vhen 
othem have precedence. I shall in the future ignore 
you.” V 

Then he gravely turned to Grace and answered her 
question. 

“^^We are sometimes troubled with counterfeit tickets,” 
he said; ^^of late there have been a good many seen or; 
different railroads hereabouts. I never actually ran up 


62 


‘‘I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM/' 
against one until to-day/' 

^^Ho'W do you know it was counterfeit?" asked Nellie 
irrepressibly. 

^^You are ignored," said Tom. 

refuse to be ignored," came the quick retort. ^Tf 
you won't answer me I'll find out when Dick Clay gets 
here. He knows more anyway than you do, Hr. Impor- 
tance." 

^TTou won't have to wait long, either," said a cheery 
voice. ^Hhe door being open I have heard enough to 
make it seem necessary to interfere," and Dick Clay en- 
tered the kitchen in response to Gilt-Edge Tom's in- 
vitation. 

^^You're not in this quarrel," said Tom a moment later. 
Hf you say a word it'll only make Nellie ask me more 
questions." 

^^Don't mind them, Dick," said Mrs. Verne, ^^it's only 
another lot of their nonsense." 

Dick joined in the general round of laughter. 

^^Did you really strike a bad one to-day?" he asked of 
Tom. 

^Tes," was the answer, and it was a good one too. 
Nearly fooled me with it." 

^Het's hear it?" said Dick. 

Mf Nellie will promise to keep quiet," laughed Tom. 

As her expected reply was not forthcoming he said, 
after a pause: 

woman had it. She took it easy though when I told 
her I could not accept the ticket." 

Grace De Forrest listened intently. 


“I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM.' 


63 


^^AVliat was it?” Dick asked. 

western ticket over the Grand Trunk and the Le- 
high. She had evidently come from Chicago to Wilkes- 
barre without a hitch.” 

^Dig chances,” said Dick. 

^Tes. I had almost got the ticket in my pocket when 
I discovered the counterfeit.” 

^AYhat did you do ?” 

^^Told her I should be obliged to refuse it and request 
cash fare. 

^Why?^ was her innocent question. 

^This ticket is not good for passage here/ I replied. 
Then she wanted to know again Svhy’ and I told her that 
she had been swindled if she had purchased that ticket, 
as it was counterfeit. She laughed at that and seemed to • 
take it as a joke. I told her I was in earnest but that 
didnT worry her. She only smiled and opening her purse 
asked how much the cash fare was and when I told her 
she paid it and that^s all there was about it.” 

^‘Did she go through to New York?” asked Nellie. 

^AVho said she was going to New York?” 

“Nobody. I only asked a question.” 

“Dick, now Idl have to appeal to you. I didn’t say a 
word about New York in my story and now comes this 
sister of mine with ^Did she go through to New York?’ ” 

“Dick,” cried Nellie, “I’m going to appeal to you, too. 
Am I not entitled to receive a respectful reply to re- 
spectful questions?” 

“I decide in favor of Nellie,” said Dick. “I’m inter- 
ested to know where the woman did go to.” 


64 


'*1 CAN TRUST GILT-EDGF TOM. 


‘^That settles it/’ said Tom resignedly. she didn’t 

go to New York. She didn’t want to go to New York. 
She got off the train at Glen Summit.” 

‘^Glen Summit? Where’s that?” asked Nellie. 

^^Where’s Glen Summit? Dick, do you hear that? 
Where’s Glen Summit? Next you’ll be. asking me where 
Niagara Falls is.” 

‘Well/’ persisted Nellie, “where is Glen Summit?” 

“Dick,” said Tom, determined to tease his sister all 
that he could, “ have you got a copy of that little book 
which the Lehigh Valley Railroad issues descriptive of 
its scenery and the points of interest along the line?” 

“Fortunately I have,” came the rej)ly, “I’ve got two 
styles, one is the ‘In Three States,’ and the little one, 
‘Seen From the Train.’ Which will you have?” 

“Both,” replied Tom. “Give this knowledge seeker 
all the information we can. If you hadn’t the books I 
should have informed her that the passenger department 
of the Lehigh Railroad sends information free on appli- 
cation. Now from this large book which, Nellie will no- 
tice is handsomely illustrated, I will proceed to read as 
follows: ‘GLEN SUMMIT, a desirable summer resort on 
the high land of Nescopic Mountain. Largely visited by 
people from New York, Philadelphia and the west.’ 
‘Seen From The Train’ says of “GLEN SUMMIT, a sum- 
mer colony, 157,3 miles from New York.’ That is 
where Glen Summit is.” 

“Thank you, teacher,” said Nellie. “I am very much 
obliged to you for the explicit information. Will a kiss 
repay you?” 


‘"I CAN TRUST GILT-EDGE TOM. 


65 


^^Yes, I’ll take the payment.’’ 

^^Ancl promise to be good.” 

^Tes.” 

^^Dick, did yon ever see such nonsense?” asked Mrs. 
Yerne, but Dick Clay only shook his head. 

Grace De Forrest when she again sat by her brother’s 
bedside thought deeply about what Gilt-Edge Tom had 
said concerning the woman who had left his train at Glen 
Summit. 

^Dh ! How I wish that Leon was well again. This is 
an opportunity too good to be lost. Perhaps the very 
key to the whole situation. I will do what I have long 
felt inclined to do. Yes, and at once. I’ll take Mr. 
Yerne into my confidence and ask his advice. I know I 
can trust Gilt-Edge Tom.” 

A few moments later the young conductor rapped 
lightly at the sick room door and she welcomed his ar- 
rival. 

^Alay I come in?” he asked. 

“Yes, indeed you may,” said Grace. “Sit down by 
eon’s bedside. He is very comfortable to-night.” 

“I’m very glad of that,” said Tom. “He will soon be 
around again.” 

“Yes, I hope so.” 

After a brief, formal conversation Grace De Forrest 
decided to act at once and speak of the subject uppermost 
in her mind, and to ask Tom Yerne for advice and coun- 
sel, if not for personal assistance in the perplexing and 
difficult task she and her brother had entered upon. 

Before speaking she looked earnestly into Gilt-Edge 


66 


CAN TRUST GILT-EDGF TOM.” 

Tom’s face and wbat sbe rea^j. there added to ber faitb 
in bim. 

To berself sbe whispered in a tone that just reached the 
young conductor’s ears: 

‘^YeS; I can trust Gilt-Edge Tom.’’ 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 


Q 


CHAPTER YI. 

A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 

G race DE FORREST’S whispered words 
reached Grilt-Edge Tom’s ears almost inaudibly. 
lie realized at once that this had not been 
intended and a burning flush tinged his cheek with red 
and he felt himself in an embarrassing position. 

Grace instantly understood that in her earnestness she 
had made her words audible and blushes suffused her 
brow with crimson. 

For a moment there was silence. 

Then standing erect she extended both hands toward 
the young conductor and said in a voice which slightly 
trembled with emotion: 

^‘Yes, Mr. Yerne, I spoke my thoughts. But I will 
not recall my words. I meant what I said. I will re- 
]')eat them and I extend my hands to you beseeching 
your friendship and advice. I repeat my words. T 
(‘an trust Gilt-Edge Tom.’ ” 

Scarcely knowing what the beautiful young woman 
meant by her words, her earnestness and her extreme 
offer of friendship Gilt-Edge Tom rose from his seat and 
took her extended hands in his own and held them in a 
warm clasp. 

•‘’Thank you, Miss Be Forrest,” he stammered, his face 
burning ivith a ruddy glow. ^^Believe me, I am at your 
service. If you need any assistance, aid or counsel, that 
it is in my power to give, it is yours. Again I thank 
you for the kind expression of a goiod opinion of one so 
Iiumble as myself.” 

How he ever succeeded in speaking as he did Gilt- 


68 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 


Edge Tom never knew. 

For a moment Grace De Forrest sitood with, her hands 
in Tom’s and her eyes gazing squarely into his. Then 
she said: 

^^Mr. Yerne, I have much to say to you. I am going 
to tell you about my brother Leon and myself and of 
the causes which led to our being here to-night. It i^ 
not a long story, but it will doubtless interest you. Kind- 
ly be seated again. I am going to sit near you and then 
I Avill tell you all.’^ 

Gilt-Edge Tom slowly released her soft throbbing 
hands and without speaking resumed his seat. 

Grace drew her chair beside him and then said, slowly 
and in a low voice: 

^^Mr. Yerne, have you noticed anything strange or 
have you had any idea that my brother and myself are 
not exactly what we have appeared?” 

‘^Your question is not quite clear to me,” was the reply 
after a pause. 

^‘You have not thought that we are not what we ap- 
peared to be to the world?” 

Gilt-Edge Tom did not immediately reply. His 
thoughts many times had been exactly what she wished 
to discover. 

^^Yes,” he admitted hesitatingly, have had ideas 
of my own.” 

had surmised as much,” said Grace. knew that 
you saw me remove a certain article from my brother’s 
vest at the time he was first brought here.” 

^^Yes,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. 

^Tt was this,” said Grace, and from the bosom of her 
dress she drew forth a shining silver star and placed it in 
the young conductor’s palm. 

It was Leon De Forrest’s detective badge. 

Gilt-Edge Tom uttered a low exclamation of surprise.^ 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 69 

Pinkerton detective he exclaimed. 

^^YeSy’ said Grace, ^Sve represent that agency. At 
first I beheved it wise to hide onr identity. You can un- 
. derstand.’^ 

^^By Jove!’’ siaid Tom to himself, ^^this beats me. Pll 
be hanged if I can understand.” 

Then aloud he said: 

^^Certainly, you must have had good reasons.” 

Grace De Forrest saw at one© that the young man was 
mystified. 

^‘Listen and I’ll explain in detail. As I have said be- 
fore we represent the Pinkerton detective agency. We 
are working for the Lehigh Valley railroad in an effort . 
to discover the persons who have been issuing and pass- 
ing counterfeit railroad tickets on that and other rail- 
roads and also to discover the leaders of the gang which 
has been perpetrating the many robberies along the line.” 

begin to understand,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, ^^and 
that explains how it happens that Leon wears the uni- 
form of a Valley brakeman.” 

^^Exactly,” said Grace and then there came an inter- 
ruption to their conversation. 

Leon De Forrest turned uneasily on his bed and ut- 
tered a faint moan. 

Grace sprang to her feet and in an instant was at his 
side. 

As she reached him the young detective spoke dis- 
tinctly and repeated the words he had uttered so many 
times before, but never before in other than his sister’s 
hearing: 

^^Curse you, Foster! You shall pay for this. This is 
your work.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom heard the words and a look of horror 
came into his eyes. 

^ ^^My God!” he cried to himself, ^Tester’s work? 


70 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 


Ralph Foster? This detective was a brakeman for Fos- 
ter. Is Ralph Foster such a scoundrel as to stoop to mur- 
der? It is horrible.’’ 

The young conductor was misled by Leon De Forrest’s 
raving sentences. The detective had reference, as the 
reader knows, to the night of his desertibn. Gilt-Edge 
Tom connected the words with the attack on the young 
man. 

Grace De Forrest, with a gentle caressing toucn on the 
invalid’s brow soothed him to rest again, and then turned 
once more to Gilt-Edge Tom. 

^^You heard what he said?” she asked. 

^^Yes. Is it possible that Ralph Foster was the cause 
of the attack upon you?” asked the young conductor. 

^Yhat is not certain,” she replied. ^^You can judge 
better for yourself after you hear the rest of my story. 
And once more she sat near to Gilt-Edge Tom. 

^^Leon,” she resumed, ^^entered upon this task several 
months ago and for weeks he struggled in vain to obtain 
a clew worth following. He travelled again and again 
up and down the line from Buffalo and Yiagara Falls, to 
Yew York, and to Philadelphia. In this work I, as I 
have done frequently in other cases, worked with him.” 

‘That explains,” said Gilt-Edge Tom in the pause 
that followed, ‘‘how it happens that I saw you occasional- 
ly on my train and several times at the Easton and at 
the South Bethlehem stations.” 

“Yes,” said Grace. “I have frequently ridden on 
your train. So has Leon.” 

“AYatching me, I presume?” said Tom with a smile. 

“I confess it,” said Grace, a flush coming again to her 
face. 

“Pardon me,” cried the young conductor hastily. “I 
should not have^ spoken thus. It was a thoughtless re- 
mark,’’ 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. /I 

^^Mr. Verne/’ said Grace seriously. am glad you 
said it. I did watch you. I watched you frequently and 
so did Leon. But not recently. AVe both decided that 
you were above suspicion. But others were not.” 

^^Tliank you/’ said Tom, ^^and I thank Gqd that the 
teachings of a beloved mother have borne fruit.” 

Ilis voice slightly trembled as he spoke. 

Then he saw tears in Grace De Forrest’s eyes. 

It was some time before the young woman resumed 
her story. 

made little progress in our work/^ she continued, 
^^and at last Leon, who, as I told you a few days ago, had 
once worked on the Illinois Central railroad, decided to 
work as a brakeman with Conductor Ralph Foster.” 

^^Did he suspect Foster?” 

^Tle had no tangible reason for so doing,” was the 
reply. ^Tut it was not long before he had cause to watch 
him closely.” 

Again she paused and after resuming, related the ex- 
periences Leon had passed through, as the reader knoWxS 
them, up to the night he was struck down in the dark. 

^^This,” said Grace to her attentive listener, ^is the 
explanation of Leon’s words of a few moments ago. That 
Foster is responsible for the attack I cannot say. Indi- 
rectly he may be, or, as I am more inclined to believe, 
it may be the work of the strange man who watched us 
so closely when we were at AA^ilkesbarre. I believe now 
that he followed us to Easton. On the way he had a con- 
versation Avith Foster.” 

^AA^haf do you believe of this strange man?” 

^^Frankly, I believe that Foster is connected deeply 
in the swindle and that the stranger is one of the leader 
of the Avhole game.” 

^Tt’s a serious subject. In fact a surprising state of 
affairs,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. ^^If your views are correct 


72 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 


there is a well-organized league of desperate villains who 
■ will hesitate at nothing. No crime is too horrible for 
them to commit.’’ 

^^Eeon declared the same views/’ said Grace. ^^He 
told me what seems to be the truth, that they are a des- 
perate gang and that they are wonderfully shrewd and 
prepared to be suspicious even of shadows.” 

^^Miss De Forrest,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, ^^you are en- 
gaged in an extremely dangerous "duty. Do you con- 
sider it safe for you to personally continue it?” 

^^My place,” was the reply, ^^has in the past always 
been at my brother’s side and there I shall remain.” 

^^How can I be of service to you?” asked the young 
conductor. few moments ago you said you were 

about to appeal to me!” 

^‘Yes. I told you that I believed I could trust you.^ 
I have now given you my confidence. I have told you 
that I hold you beyond suspicion. Further than that I 
wish to say that your friend Dick Clay is held in the 
same high esteem.” 

^^Dick Clay is honest from the ground up,” cried the 
young conductor earnestly. ^^Upon that I would stake 
my life.” 

^^Without question,” said Grace. ^^This evening at 
table you spoke of a woman — ” 

^AVho left my train at Glen Summit?” inquired Tom 
with a smile, remembering the way he had teased his 
sister an hour previously. 

^A^es. I was greatly interested in your recital of the 
affair,” said Grace. ^A^ou can readily understand the 
reason.” 

do,” replied Gilt-Edge Tom. 

^^Can you tell me anything further than what you 
have already stated?” 

can think of nothing of importance.” 


A SURPRISING STATE OF Al FAIRS, 73 

^'Was this really the first time you have met with a 
counterfeit ticket 

^'Yes/^ replied Tom. 

‘^Strange that you . discovered the attempted fraud so 
promptly 

^^Not very,’’ said Tom quickly. ^^As you of course 
know, all the conductors have been warned to be on the 
lookout for spurious tickets. I have carried the instruc- 
tion from headquarters firmly in mind. That’s all.” 

^'iSTo,” said Grace earnestly. "^That is not all. It is 
because you do your duty by your employers. Now, I 
can tell you why you have never seen a bad ticket before. 
^Yould you like to know why ?” 
certainly should.” 

^The reason is simple. It is because the swindlers of 
late have been using the tickets only with conductors 
who are in the ring.” 

^^Are there men in the employ of the roads really as 
bad as to join the swindlers?” Gilt-Edge Tom asked 
sadly. 

^^Yes, You are a comparatively new man on the 
through trains and until recently were not brought much 
into contact with the through tickets. I think you can 
understand my method of reasoning.” 

^^Yes,” he admitted, and for a moment he pondered 
deeply on the subject. Then he cast a look of admira- 
tion upon the young woman and wondered at the depth 
of her reasoning. ^^And,” he said to himself, ^This oracle 
is but a girl in years.” 

^Alr. Verne,” continued Grace, am deeply im- 
pressed by the incident of to-day. I believe there is a 
great deal behind it.” 

^^You interest me,” said the young conductor. 

^^Let me tell you what I believe. You spoke of the 
woman taking the matter coolly when you refused to ac^ 


74 A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 

cept the ticket?’’ 

^^Yes.” 

^^Exactly. It was a deliberate plan of the ringleaders. 
The ticket was, in my opinion, presented to you by a 
woman in order to test your faithfulness to your em- 
ployers.” 

do not understand.” 

will explain. In the first place you are well known 
to the swindlers.” 

^Terhaps.” 

^^JSTot ^perhaps.’ They know every man to a greater 
or lesser (legree. They know you. In fact, Gilt-Edge Tom, 
as you are known and as I have several times addressed 
you, is known everywhere.” 

The young concluctor smiled deprecatingly. 

‘^Wliat of that?” he asked. 

‘W very great deal. But directly as to to-day’s affair. 
You are well known to be generous to a fault. Yes, I 
speak earnestly. If a vian had presented that ticket to 
you, what would you have done?” 

Gilt-Edge Tom read a deep meaning in Grace De For- 
rest’s words. He hesitated a second before replying; 
then he answered in a firm voice: 

should have caused his instant arrest and charged 
him with being a swindler and a cheat.” 

As he spoke Grace watched him intently. 

^^ETow I am doubly convinced,” said she, ^^that I am 
right in my views. And because it was a woman you al- 
lowed her to go unmolested.” 

^T--— ” Tom began. 

^T)on’t attempt to explain,” said Grace. am not 
(criticising you for what you have done or for what you 
would have-done had it been a man in the case.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom’s face was burning. 

I — he began, an'd again he was interrupted. 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 


75 


have done just right/’ said Grace. ^^Never were 
the interests of Justice and the Lehigh Valley railroad 
better furthered.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom stared at Grace De Forrest in astonish- 
nient. 

^^That woman/’ said she, ^^offered you that ticket to 
lest you, as I said before. If you had accepted it, you 
would have been made aware of the fact before your 
train arrived at Easton to-night, and, believe me, you 
would have found yourself in a perplexing difficulty.” 

The look of amazement on Gilt-Edge Tom’s face 
deepened and then gave way to a look of incredulity. 

‘Tt is true,” said Grace. “You would have found 
yourself in the power of the league of swindlers.” 

^Tmpossible!” 

“Isot so. I assure you that time will prove that I am 
reading the situation correctly.” 

‘‘Miss De Forrest,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, with just th@ 
shadow of a smile, ‘^are you at all related to a distim 
guished character, by name Sherlock Holmes?” 

In spite of her earnestness Grace De Forrest could not 
resist a smile. 

“Don’t joke with me,” she said, “I was never more 
serious in my life. A score of times in the past my 
brother j.eon has learned, in time, that my intuition, for 
that I believe it to be, merely, has directed us through 
what at first appeared to be an extremely blind pathway.” 

“And if I had caused the arrest of the woman?” Tom 
asked. 

“She was prepared for the emergency.” 

“Your reasoning is beyond my conception,” said Tom. 
“ ^ yet you said you wished to obtain advice from 
me?” 

“Yes, and assistance.” 

“But you are wiser than I am!” 


76 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 


have asked you, Mr. Verne, not to joke with me.’’ 

M am not joking.” 

am satisfied. ISTow, this woman’s arrest would 
have resulted in naught, i^othing could have been 
proved. With her unmolested and through the course 
you pursued in this matter I am satisfied great results 
will follow.” 

^^And you mean?” 

mean that it is my belief that through this woman 
the key to the whole situation will be found. That 
through her, and you, and the strange man whom I have 
already mentioned, Leon and I will succeed in breaking 
up the league of swindlers.” 

^Wonderful!” said Tom. 

Grace De Forrest smiled. 

‘‘IMr Verne,” said she. ^Tn a few days Leon, so Doc- 
tor French assures me, will be on his feet and in another 
week will be well again. Then he will resume his task. 
So shall 1. Tn the meantime I shall aj^peal to you as I 
have told you before. AVloile Leon is confined here I am 
needed at his side and practically it is impossible for me to 
work 'on our case.’’ 

can realize that,” said Tom, ^^now Avhere do I come 

in?” 

^^At present you are the only one of us ^vho knows the 
identity of the woman hvho left your train at Glen Sum- 
mit — ” 

^Wes?” 

^A^es. And I am about to ask you to cause a watch to 
be placed over her movements while she is there?” 

^ That is easy.” 

think so. ,But it must be very secretly and cau- 
tiously done and in such a manner as not to arouse sus- 
picion.” 

can understand that.” 


A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 


77 


course. Did you notice tflie woman particularly 
when she left the train ^ Did s'he meet frieaids?’’ 

‘‘I cannot say. But think that she was gTeeted by 
somebody, seemingly an acquaintance.^’ 

^'^fan or woman?” 

''AVornau.” 

^^Good. Did you notice whether she had any bag- 
gage ?” 

'^That I (*au’t say. But I can find out to-morrow when I 
go up the line.” ' 

^‘A^ery good! Xow to arrange about a watch over her 
until 1 can leave liere for Glen Summit myself.” 

^^AA'ill you go then?” 

‘df the woman remains until Leon is about again.” 

^LVnd if not?” 

"'^^Then Bll try^^and find her wherever she may be.” 

^^AlissDe Forrest, you are a determined young woman.” 

^^Thank yon. AA%o have you in mind to send to Glen 
Summit?” 

^d^et me think a minute. AA^e must have somebody 
who can be relied upon.” 

^That is important.” 

^DA^ell, I think I know the right person. Don’t you 
think a woman would be best?” 

^^Yes.” 

^LAll right! Glen Summit is a pleasant place at this 
early summer season. fSTellie has n'ot had a vacation 
since she finished at school and it will be a good chance 
for her to enjoy herself for a i&w days. How does that 
idea strike you?” 

^Y^our sister?” 

^^Yes. Just the person. Don’t you think so?” 
certainly do.” 

^ Then Nellie shall go. She shall go there in the morn- 
ing mth me. I can see her twice a day at the station and 


78 A SURPRISING STATE OF AFFAIRS. 

ghe can keep us posted. Anything else?’’ 

^^i^othing more at present. AVe will see w'hat the 
days bring forth.” 

^^Then I’ll see Nellie right away and have her get 
ready for the trip. Good night! I’ll see you in the 
morning.” 

An hour later Nellie Verne and her mother were busily 
engaged in packing a trunk according to Gilt-Edge Tom’s 
sudden determination. 

^^And to think that Ealph Foster is a crook,” was the 
young conductor’s last thought that night before he drift- 
ed away into dreamland which was filled with visions of 
a beautiful young woman who denied relationship to the 
Sherlock Holmes family. 


TRUST TO LUCK. 


79 


CHAPTEK YII. 


TRUST TO LUCk/^ 

A FTEE her earnest conversation with Gilt-Edge 
Tom, Grace De Forrest remained for many 
minutes buried in deep thought, 
am convinced that I am right in my reasoning,’’ sha 
said to herself. ^There was certainly an object in hav- 
ing that woman present to Mr. Vem'e a spurious ticket. 
As I tried to impress on Tom’s mind I believe it was a 
snare intended to entrap him. If it was not vAij should 
the woman have taken the risk she did for such slight 
gain as the fare between Wilkes-Barre and Glen Summit ? 
I believe she was acting under instructions. Gilt-Edge 
I'om’s train is one that is generally patronized by through 
passengers and if the way could be cleared for the cer- 
tain acceptance of their tickets the swindlers would large- 
ly increase their profits. Gilt-Edge Tom is too well 
known to them to be approached boldly. His alertness 
was tested as a first step. Of that I am positive. If he 
bad accepted the ticket then he could have been approach- 
ed. That was their belief. In this, however, they would 
have made a serious mistake. 

Avish that Leon and I could get to work together im- 
mediately. I should like to shadow the woman at Glen 
Summit. Well, I must depend on Gilt-Edge Tom for a 
few days at least and upon ISTellie’s shrewdness. I will 
say nothing to her about the matter but leave all to Tom. 
I will hope for developments favorable to our cause.” 

Then Grace De Forrest’s thoughts gradually drifted 
away from the serious aspect of affairs and took a lightei’ 


So 


"‘i’ll trust to luck. 


vein with Gilt-Edge Toin as the central character. 

As she had confessed to the young man, she had fre- 
quently watched him at his train duty. 

She had, froni the first time she saw him been im- 
pressed favorably by his manly and honest bearing. 

Since accepting his cordial hospitality at his home she 
had improved the opportunity to study his character. 

That the young man was of noble mold and trust- 
worthy in every detail she was fully convinced. 

Although young in years Grace De Forrest was old in 
experience with the world. 

She had truthfully spoken when she told Gilt-Edge 
Tom that both her parents were dead. 

Both father and in other had died when she and Leon 
v/ere children and from the time the orphans were twelve 
yeai*s old they had practically been compelled to make 
tlieir way in the world unaided. 

Mr. J)e Forrest for many years previous to his death 
had been an employee in the freight department of the 
Illinois Central Bailroad. 

Leon at the age of twelve became an office boy for that 
corporation,- but after a few years developed a desire for 
the active life of a brakeman. 

Grace worked as a cash girl for a large dry goods store 
in Chicago, and on their combined wages they got along 
in comparative comfort, but not in luxury. 

After working on a freight train for a year or so, Leon 
was put on a ]^assenger train and obtained a general 
knowledge of the liard duties a railroad man in a subordin- 
ate position has to ]>erform. 

At the tiiUe of the Workks Fair, held in Chicago, the 
staff of the Pinkerton detective agency was increased and 
in a spirit of dissatisfaction with his railroad work, Leon 
applied for an advertised opening. 

His application was acce2>ted, and the young man be- 


‘‘i’ll trust to luck; 


8i 


fore many months had several times distinguished himself 
_as a detective. 

His practical railroad experience caused his employ- 
ment in the department devoted to railroads. At the time 
the World’s Fair was in progress, Chicago was a centre 
for crooks and not only did individuals who visited Chica- 
go suffer from their workings, but even the railroads cen- 
tering at the Lake City felt their depredations. 

From the fii^st Grace was his confidant, and she not in- 
frequently was a valuable ally. 

She developed a remarkable shre\vdness and had the 
rare faculty of looking behind the surface. 

From her original employment as a cash girl sihe had 
been promoted to saleswoman and finally this position she 
resigned to give her entire attention to assisting Leon. 

At the close of the Columbian Exposition she and Leon 
changed their scene of action from the middle west to 
Xew York. 

Their entering upon their present work led to the un- 
ex]>ected meeting with Gilt-Edge Tom and the other 
members of the Verne family. 

Mrs. Verne and Nellie were greatly surprised when the 
young conductor, after his conversation with Grace De 
Fomest returned to the vsitting room where Nellie and 
IJick Clay and ^^Irs. Verne were having a pleasant even- 
ing’s chat and announced suddenly that he had just 
' Aiade up his mind that Nellie needed a vacation.” 

^AYhat do you mean?” was the young lady’s questioai. 

^^Only this,” said Tom, Avith a laugh, auLaTraid, 
from* recent eAudences, shown by the nonsensical ques- 
tion you ask, that you are in danger of a scA^ere illness, 
in fact, I fear that symptoms of mental prostration are 
apparent and that for the benefit of your health you need 
a change of air and scenery.” 

Nellie Verne for once in her life AA^as unable to decide 


82 


'I’LL TRUST TO LUCK. 


wli ether her tormentor was in earnest or whether he was 
joiking. She was undecided whether or no to become 
angry with him. 

^^Why, Tom/^ said his mother, ‘Svhat are you talking 
about?’’ 

Dick Clay was puzzled, but he knew Tom’s habit of 
pleasantry too well to pay any attention to the remark. 

^^Xellie needs a vacation, mother,” said Tom, ^^and if 
she is going to get one this summer now’s the time to get 
ready. Here it is well on toward the last of July. Let’s 
send her to the mountains for a few days.” 

^^Oh ! Tom, do you mean it?” cried Nellie. ^^That will 
be splendid.” 

es,” said her brother, do. Trot off to your room 
at once and pack your trunk for a start in the morning!” 

^Tn the morning,” cried Mrs. Verne 'and Nellie in uni- 
son. 

^^Yes.” 

^^But I can’t,” said Nellie in dismay. haven’t any 
thing to wear.” 

‘'Nonsense!” said Tom.- "You are all right. To my 
certain knowledge you have got nineteen different out- 
fits of summer clothes. I’ll lend you a pair of my shoes 
if you are short of covering for your feet and Dick, here, 
will make you a present of a couple of straw hats.” i 

"You are making fun of me, you don’t mean a word | 
about my having a vacation,” said Nellie with a down- 
east look. 

"Yes,” said Tom, "seriously, I do. I’ve got an errand 
for you to do or rather Miss De Forrefet has and it’s got to 
be done to-morrow.” 

"Grace?” 

^ "Yes, I’ve learned some important news from her to- 
night since supper time,” and then the young conductor 
stopped in hesitation. "Now how the deuce will I ex- 


''i'll trust to luck.’ 


83 


plain the rest of this thing?’’ he asked himself. ^^I’ve 
got to tell some sort of a yarn to satisfy mother.” 

Mrs V erne’s face wore a serions expression. She bad 
often in tbe past known her son to make sudden and im- 
pulsive movementSj but never had any occasion like the 
present arisen. 

^^Oh! what is it?” asked ^STellie. 

Tom had his story ready. 

^Tt seems,” said he, ‘That some time ago, before her 
brother was hurt she had arranged with a party of friends 
to pass a few weeks at a summer resort near AVilkes-Barre. 
In the excitement and worry of the past two weeks she 
had forgotten the fact until to-night. She was reminded 
of this when she heard us talking about Glen Summit. 
Tliat’s the place she was to visit.” 

don’t believe a word of it,” said Nellie. 

^Tt is rather a fishy story,” said Gilt-Edge Tom to him- 
self, ^^but I’ve got to stick to it.” 

^^Sure thing,” he said. ^^Go and ask her yourself.” 

^^Tom, tell us, please, just what you mean?” said Mrs. 
Yerne, avIio accepted his statement ydthout hesitation, 
but with surprise. 

^^Only this, mother,” said Tom in a serious voice. 
^^Miss De Forrest’s vacation is spoiled by her brother’s 
condition and she was just telling me what a nice time 
she had counted upon ha\dng and how sorry she was that 
^le couldn’t go.” 

^Tt is indeed too bad,” said Mrs. Vem'o. 

^^Yes, it seems,” said Tom enlarging upon his theme, 
^That a party of three young girls were to meet her at 
Glen Summit. She was to make the party four, just 
right for a good time, you know. She told me that as she 
was unable to leave her brother she would greatly disap- 
point her friends by her absence.” 

^Tt will be rather unpleasant to be the third in the 


84 


‘'i’ll trust to luck.' 


crowd/’ said Nellie, ^^and Grace, I am sure, would be a 
jolly girl if her brother’s injury had not subdued her 
spirit.” 

^^Just so,” said Tom, seeing that his fairy tale was gain- 
ing credence, ^^and she suggested to me the propriety of 
having you go to Glen Summit in her place.” 

^^But I am not acquainted with the girls I should 
meet,” said Nellie in disniay. 

^^Of course not!” said Tom with a laugh, ^^but what’s 
the odds? It’s easy enough to get acquainted if you are 
introduced.” 

^tBut who will introduce me.” 

^T^et’s see. What’s the matter with having Dick go 
along too? He can introduce you.” 

^TIow do you make that out?” demanded the young 
man in question, who had been an iu-terested listener to 
Gilt-Edge Tom’s remarks. am not acquainted with 
the crowd, am I?” 

^^Not yet,” said Tom slyly, ^^but from what I know of 
you, Dick, I am sure that it will not take you long to 
make their acquaintance and then — well, then-you can 
introduce Nellie.” 

^^That’s one on me, Tom,” said Dick, ^^but I am afraid . 
the scheme won’t work.” 

^^Then we’ll arrange another,” said Tom appreciating 
the way his chum had taken his little joke. ^^Miss De 
Eorrest says the girls are a jolly lot, proper and pretty. 
Two of them are from Chicago where she used to live and 
the other is from Bulfalo — Sadie Keynolds and Hilma 
Frayne, I think she said their names were, and the 
Chicago girls and Edith Lottimer ” 

^^Edith Lottimer! My old school mate!” cried Nellie. 
^Gloes Grace know her? Oh! Isn’t that nice. Oh! I 
must see Grace right away.” 

A look of dismay came over Gilt-Edge Tom’s face, but 


trust to luck. 


85 


Dick Clay was the only one to notice it. 

must stop this/’ said Tom to himself and just as his 
sister was about to escape from the room to run to Grace 
he caught her in his arms and held her tightly. 

Dick Clay at once realized that -Gilt-Edge Tom was 
playing a game of some sort and wondered what it was all 
about. 

^^Hold on! N’ellie.” cried Tom, ^Svait a while before 
you run away like this. Wait till I get through talking 
with you.” 

^T.et me go,” cried Nellie. want to see Grace and 
ask her a hundred questions about Edith, whom you know 
I haven’t seen since last winter.” 

^^Yes, I know,” said Tom. ^^But don’t hurry about it. 
Wait till to-morrow and ask Edith herself.” 

^^Not much! I won’t!” said Nellie struggling to escape 
from Tom, who still held her firmly in his arms. ^T’ll 
see Grace now.” 

^*A11 right. Miss Impulse,” said Tom. ^^Go ahead. 
Only I warn you not to, as when I came down stairs a few 
minutes ago Leon was having a bad spell and Grace may 
not like to have such a n'oisy visitor as you in the sick 
room.” 

At this moment Tom, as he released his sister, caught 
Dick Clay’s eye and saw by an expressive wink that his 
chum was ^^onto” him. 

In a degree Dick was, and knowing that Gilt-Edge 
Tom must have a deep object in what he was about he 
decided to make an effort to assist the young conductor’s 
game. 

^Tt will be a fine thing, Mrs. Verne, for Nellie to meet 
an old friend and have a vacation at the same time, won’t 
it?” 

^A^es,” said Mrs. Verne. shall be glad to have 
Nellie go, but we can’t afford it and then it is such short 


86 


trust to luck.' 


notice for her to prepare for the trip.’’ 

Afford it, mother?” said Tom. ^^Of course we can 
afford it, and as for short notice, it’s just this, if Nellie 
don’t go now she won’t meet the girls and she won’t have 
half the fun she otherwise would. What do you say, 
Nellie?” 

^^Oh! I’ll go,” said Nellie. ^Tf Edith is there you 
can’t keep me. away, and not only that, I’ll bring her 
home with me for the rest of the summer.” 

^AVell, you’ve got no time to lose,” said Tom. 
^Alother, you and Nellie set to work at once packing the 
trunk.” 

And to his great relief of mind Mrs. Verne.and Nellie 
five minutes later were engaged in their unexpected task. 

Gilt-Edge Tom and Dick were alone. 

^^Say, Tom,” asked his chum, ^^can I know what this 
scheme of yours is all about?” 

^Wes,” said Tom, ^T’ll tell you later. Only help me 
along. I’ve put my foot in it and I’ll need your help to 
get me out of the mess that’s sure to follow.” 

Dick laughed. 

^Must like you, Tom,” he said; ^^you’re in some game, 
for Miss De Eorrest and you want to look out for your- 
self. She is a dangerous woman.” 

^^Dangerous?” 

^^Yes,” and with a twinkle in his eyes Dick Clay laid 
his hand impressively on his heart. 

^^Oh!” said Tom with a feeling of relief. ^Ts that 
all?” 

^^That’s enough I should think,” laughed Dick. 
^^Well, I don’t blame you though. She is a deucedly 
handsome and devoted woman. But say, my boy, is 
Nellie really going to Glen Summit?” 

^A"es, to complet'e her education concerning the loca- 
tion of the place.” 


‘'i’ll trust to luck/' 87 

‘‘The devil!’’ exclaimed Dick Clay. “The woman 
with the counterfeit ticket?” 

“Yes,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. 

Dick Clay’s face clouded. 

^ ^^Say, Tom/’ he asked, “Can’t I know more about 
this? Why has Grace De Forrest an interest in this?” 

“Keep this dark, Dick,” said Gilt-Edge Tom in a 
whisper. “The folks upstairs are Pinkerton detect- 
ives — ” 

“Gad!” cried Dick. “Pinkerton detectives?” 

“Yes. Working out this ticket swindle in behalf of 
the Lehigh. Grace just took me into her confidence, and 
I’ve promised to send Kellie to Glen Summit in the 
morning to keep a watch over the woman who was on my 
train to-day.” 

Dick Clay uttered a long, drawn out whistle of amaze- 
ment. 

“Tom, what have we struck?” 

“Can’t tell you any more yet,” was the reply, “you 
know nearly as much as I do. Only that they were run- 
ning close against the gang and there was an attempt 
made to put them out of the way the other night. We 
were just in time to save them.” 

“Wonderful!” said Dick. 

“Yes, it’s rather queer,” admitted Tom, “and Dick, 
those two young folks had a narrow escape, I tell you. 
Do you remember how near they were to the river bank 
when we found them?” 

“Yes.” 

“Their bodies would have gone into the stream, is my 
l>elief,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. 

“Kot robbery, then?” 

“Ko, murder,” said Tom. 

Dick Clay for a moment was silent. 

“Say, Tom,” he then asked, “how are you going to ex-^, 


88 


‘'i’ll trust to luck. 


plain to Nellie wlien she gets to Glen Summit and finds 
that Edith Lottimer is not there? Youdl be in hot 
water 1 tell you/’ and he laughed merrily. 

‘^Sure thing/’ said Tom, shaking his head. ^^But I’ll 
find some way to square myself. Good yarn, though, 
wasn’t it?” 

^‘First rate, it seems.” 

^Tlad to do it,” said Tom. ^^Mother wouldn’t have 
been satisfied you know if Nellie was to go away like this 
among strangers — alone.” 

^^Not if she knew it, I suppose,” said Dick. ^^Nellie 
Avill be all right though?” 

^^Of course,” said Tom. ^T’ll see her every time I 
pass, you know. All the expresses stop at Glen Sum- 
mit.” 

^^Yes. Well, Tom, say good-night to Nellie for me. 

I must be off.” 

‘^Say it yourself, Dick,” said Tom, ^T’ll call her. 
While you’re saying good-night to her, I’m going to see 
Grace and tell her how I’ve fixed Nellie, so when that 
sister of mine speaks of Edith, Grace will be on her 
guard. Wait for me and I’ll walk a couple of blocks 
with you. I’ve got another idea.” 

^What?” 

^Wou’llsee.” 

Nellie Verne and Dick Clay were in the hallway in 
rather an affectionate attitude when Tom returned from 
his hurried visit to the sick room. 

For the first time since his heart went out toward the 
sweet sister of his chum Dick Clay touched her lips with 
his own and called her his sweetheart. i 

Gilt-Edge Tom saw what happened, and as soon as he i 
and Dick left the cottage he threw his right arm around 
his chum’s neck and said : 

^Wou have my consent, Dick, and mother will give 


trust to luck.’ 


89 


hers any time you ask for it.’’ 

had to tell her, Tom,” said Dick. have loved 
her for years. I am glad that you think well of it.” 

^^'No other man on earth more deserving,” said Gilt- 
Edge Tom, earnestly. 

^^Thank you!” said Dick Clay, his hand firmly clasped 
in the warm grasp of Tom’s honest palm. 

Thus they talked as they walked toward the circle. 

Arrived at the postal telegraph office Gilt-Edge Tom 
said: 

^^Dick, come in. I must spend a quarter.” 

Two minutes later he had written a ^^rush” message 
and handed it to Dick Clay to read : 

^^Edith Lottimer, 1667a Genesee St., Buffalo', New 
York. Take the morning express on Lehigh Valley 
Bailroad to-morrow for Glen Summit, there to meet 
your friend and schoolmate, Nellie Verne. Expenses 
will be paid. This is a matter of the utmost im- 
portance and much depends upon promptness. Prepare 
to remain several days. I will meet you at Wilkes- 
Barre. 

> Tom Verne, Conductor, L. V. K. R.” 

^^Good enough!” exclaimed Dick Clay. hope she 
will get this O. K. and will obey the summons.” 

^T’ll trust to luck,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. 


90 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE, 


CHAPTER VIII. 

A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 

T ickets, please P’ with graceful movements Gilt- 
Edge Tom, conductor, passed tlirougdi the 
coaches of the westbound express gathering the 
strips of pastebo-ard which guaranteed passage from point 
to point, to patrons of the V alley Route. 

The train Tad just left Allentown, and was being drawn 
along at a tremendous rate of speed by a powerful loco- 
motive up fhe beautiful valley of the Lehigh. 

Seated in the forward parlor car Kellie Verne awaited 
the return of her idolized brother. 

His task of ticket gathering completed Gilt-Edge Tom 
returned to her side, looked at his sister in -a perplexed 
manner and was about to open a conA^ersation Avh.en she 
spoke. 

^‘Kow, brother Tom, she said, ^Svhat means this moA^e- 
ment of yours and this unexpected trip of mine?’^ 

^AVhat does it mean?’^ 

I want to knoAV AAdiat it means? I am not so 
stupid as to belieA^e that you are not using me for some 
untold purpose?’^ 

^^Do you Avish to return hoiiie?^’ Tom asked half angri- 
ly. The tone of his sister’s Avords nettled him. 

^^That depends,” was the reply. ^Tast night AAdien 
you prevented my speaking Avith Grace I)e Forrest as, I 
Avill admit, I impulsively desired to do, I made up my 
mind that you were not exactly honest in Avhat you had 
been telling me.” 

^^Kellie,” said Tom seriously, ^Svhat should I liaA^e 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 


91 


done under the circumstances?’’ 

^'^Tell me first what joii have done and then I will tell 
yon what you should have done,” was the reply. 

‘^Dick was riglit,” muttered Tom, am in hot water. 
But it’s begun to boil sooner than I expected. I’ll tell her 
all at once and have it over with.” 

Aloud he said: 

^^Xellie, do you remember what I said, last night about 
tile woman mtli the counterfeit ticket who left the train 
at Glen Summit?” 

^A^es.” 

^^She is the occasion of your trip this morning.” 

Xellie Verne, at once interested in what was to follow, 
threw aside her assumed air of injured sisterhood and per- 
mitted her serious features to relax their rigidity. 

For her beloved brother she would readily have made 
a dozen unprepared for voyages to the uttermost parts of 
the earth had he but requested her to do so. 

^^How is that?” was her query. 

‘^This way,” said Tom, want to know who she is, 
whence she comes, how long she stays, what she does and 
who she meets while at Glen Summit.” 

^^And I am—” 

^To watch her and then tell me all that you discover' 
concerning her.” 

^^And Edith Lottimer and the two girls from Chicago 
are not coming to Glen Summit?” 

^T^dith will probably meet us at Wilkes-Barre.” 

^^Oh! You dear brother Tom!” cried Nellie-, ^^and I 
am really to see Edith?” 

^^Yes, I hope so,” was the reply. have sent for her 
to meet us at Wilkes-Barre. The Chicago girls were 
creatures of my imagination.” 

^‘^And what about Grace De Forrest? She told me that 
Edith was a friend of hers?” 


92 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 


“^^Exactly. When you said good bye to Grace this 
morning slie spoke aocording to instructions from me. 
Nellie, what is your opinion of Grace De Forrest 

^^She is the dearest, loveliest girl I ever knew,’’ cried 
Nellie Verne enthusiastically. 

^^That is not what I mean. What is your opinion of 
her identity?” 

have no idea of it,” was the answer. ^^She has told 
me scarcely anything about herself. But I have a good 
opinion of her.” 

^^Of course,” said. Gilt-Edge Tom, ^^she is entitled to 
that. I will tell you, however, as I told Dick Clay last 
night, that she, as well as her brother, is a Pinkerton de- 
tective, employed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad. She 
was interested to have me place a watch over this woman 
at Glen Summit and I agreed to have you do the watch- 
ing because I could trust nobody else. That’s how you 
happen to get a vacation trip.” 

^T understand at last,” said Nellie. ^^But why did 
you not say so at first?” 

^^And cause mother to worry about you while you were 
away? And also cause her to look with suspicion upon 
Grace?” 

^Tt would have been more honiest.” 

have endeavored 'to do what I thought was best,” 
said Tom. could not expose the identity of Grace and 
her brother.” 

^AVhat am I to do?” 

^^Simply this. We Avill meet Edith, I hope, at Wilkes- 
Barre, and then you and she mil ride back with me to 
G len Summit and discover, if possible, w'ho the woman is. 
Then keep an eye on her movements and her friends. 
Then report to me every day what she does and such other 
things as you may notice. All the time being careful not 
to be suspected by her/’ 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 


93 


understand/’ said Nellie. 

‘^'I'his you can do without much (trouble/’ staid Tom, 
‘‘and at the samo time you can enjoy yourself and com- 
bine business with pleavsure.” 

^^How Avill I know the woman?” 

^^Yoii can not mistake her,” said Tom. ^^She is not 
more than twenty-three years old; tall, handsome and re- 
fined. Her eyes are large and expressive and have often- 
times a far away look in their blue depths. She has a 
wealth of light hair which wihen I saw her yesterday was 
arranged in the latest and most approved style. From 
eacli ear hung a large diamond and on each hand she wore 
several valuable diamond rings. One, a snake ring with 
many small stones, you will surely recognize. I noticed 
her appearance particularly and when you see her you 
will not fail to be impressed by her personality. Upon 
her neck just below the right ear you will see a small scar 
such as might have been caused by a burn when ^he was a 
child. In her speech you will notice an almost imper- 
ceptible lisp. In addition to the aid you will receive 
from this description in identifying her you will probably 
find that she was the last or nearly the last guest at the 
Glen Summit to register yesterday. ’ Your common sense 
will complete the identification.” 

^^So you are at last ready to admit that I am possessed 
of common sense?” Nellie began in a bantering tone. 

^ Y‘o a limited degree,” said Tom. 

■ ^^Thanks!” 

Nellie gave the subject a great deal of thought when 
her brother was away from her side on his next trip 
through the long line of coaches composing his train, and 
finally she decided that it was her belief that she could 
successfully conduct her movements as an observer of the 
doings of the woman she was to identify. 

At Wilkes-Barre, Gilt-Edge Tom and his sister had 


94 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 


about two hours to themselves which was devoted to their 
dinner and to visiting a few of the principal points of in- 
terest in the mining city. 

On the arrival of the eastbound express from Buffalo 
they Avere again at the station. Tom boarded the 
train as soon as it drew up at the platform and hurriedly 
passed through the coaches. 

To his great satisfaction he immediately recognized an 
old friend of his and their greeting was cordial. 

It was Edith Lottimer. 

The young Avoman, she Avas about J^ellie’s age, fortun- 
atefy had received Gilt-Edge Tom’s urgent telegram and 
had obeyed the summons Avithout question or hesitation. 

After their first formal greeting, Edith asked for 
iS[ellie. 

^^She is here,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, ^^come Avith me 
and then go Avith her in the parlor car ahead. I shall be 
busy for a foAV minutes but I’ll be Avith you as soon as I 
can go through the train.” 

iSTellie’s Avelcome to her old schoolmate was affectionate 
and tAvo minutes later they Avere seated together in the 
parlor car as Tom directed. 

After the usual Avait at Wilkes-Barre the express start- 
ed and Gilt-Edge Tom made his tour of ticket gathering. 

Before the train had left the A^alley of the Susquehanna 
and had begun its long climb OA^er the mountains, the 
young conductor joined the young Avomen in the parlor 
car. 

^^Glen Summit is the next stop,” said he. ^AVe shall 
reach there in half an hour.” 

Then to Edith he explained the cause of her sudden 
summons from home and thanked her for her prompt re- 
sponse. 

The time before the arnAval of the train at Glen Sum- 
mit seemed all too short to the three young people, but 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 


95 


as tiie express clipped the miles off at a Papid rate^ the 
station Avas soon reached. 

‘‘Eernember instructions/’ said Tom to ISiellie, ^^and bo 
careful to avoid discovery. I’ll see you to-morrow morn- 
ing.” 

He kissed her and then as his train again moved away 
toAVard the enst he AA^aved with his hand a parting salute. 

AVlien Glen Summit faded away to a speck in the dis- 
tance he entered the coaches of the train. In his mind 
there Avas a devout prayer for iSTellie’s success. 

On the AA’^estAvard run he had seen at the (ileii Summit 
station the manager of the hotel and had instructed him 
to prepare comfortable I’ooms for his sister and her friend 
and to be certain that their welfare Avas at all times pro- 
vided for. 

Further than that he had asked concerning the woman 
of the preAuous day and had been told that she AA^as regis- 
tered at the hotel as Mrs. 0. Harris IleyAvood, of Cliicago. 

Apartments for her Avere engaged for a period of three 
Aveeks. Her baggage had arrived on the night express 
folloAAung Tom’s train on Avhich she had been a passen- 
ger. 

This information Tom had given to Nellie, and thus 
had averted the slight possibility of her being unable to 
identify the AA^oman among the large number of fashion- 
able guests at the hotel. 

^^No'AV let us hope,” said Tom to himself as his train 
Avas Avhirled swiftly doAvn the eastAvard slope of Nescopic 
mountain and into the beautiful valley of the Lehigh, 
^hhat things Avill run smoothly and that the days Avili 
bring forth encouraging news and tangible evidence 
AAdiich Avill assist Grace and Leon De Forrest in the solu- 
tion of the difficult problem they are engaged upon.” 

His eastAvard run to AllentoAvn Avas devoid of incident. 

After leaving that Btation and Av^hile collecting tickets 


96 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 


the young conductor was given a surprise upon encounter- 
ing in a seat in the smoking car a man to whom he had in 
the last 24 hours given considerable thought. 

It was Kalph Foster, formerly conductor of the train to 
which Gilt-Edge Tom had been promoted. 

When the young conductor greeted Foster in a cheerful 
manner, for a moment forgetting the information Grace 
De Forrest had imparted, Foster responded in a surly 
tone. 

Gilt-Edge Tom made no further elfort to converse nor 
even to be civil to the elder man and passed on through 
the car. 

Arrived at the end of the train he seated himself so as 
to obtain a view back along the lines of rail and buried 
himself in thought with Nellie and Grace the central 
figures. 

His reverie was suddenly broken by a voice at his el- 
bow. 

^^Say, Gilt-Edge Tom,’’ was what he heard, ^^how do 
you like this train?” 

^^Oh! Mr. Foster!” said Tom with, reserve, ^^how do I 
like it? Fairly well, thank you!” 

^^Better than the old local?” 

^Tn some respects, yes.” 

^^Enjoy shoving older men down, I see?” 
do not understand you.” 

^‘DonT want to, eh?” 

^Hook here, now, what are you driving at?” demanded 
Gilt-Edge Tom sternly, rising to his feet and confronting 
his disagreeable questioner. 

^^Nothing more than what you understand full well.” 
do not understand.” 

^Then never mind. It’s all right anyhow. Good men 
often get turned down and men not so good for a time ap- 
pear to succeed.” 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 


97 


^^Mr. Foster/’ said Grilt-Edge Tom, you continue to 
address me in such a manner as this I must decline to 
have any conversation with you.” 

‘‘Very dignified, are you not? You’re quite a big man 
since you took this train, eh?” 

“Are you looking for trouble?” demanded Tom, with 
difficulty controlling his rising temper. “If you are this 
is no place to seek it. What rigilit have you to seek a 
quarrel with me? What, too, is your object?” 

“I have no quarrel with you,” said Foster, gruffly. 
“You are not worth a quarrel. I only wanted to let you 
know what I think of a man who supes 'around and 
downs a good man by sneaking.” 

Had Gilt-Edge Tom not held remarkable control of 
his temper he would have struck Ralph Foster to the 
car floor. 

As it was he turned his back upon his insulter and 
without further words he gazed back along the course the 
train had come and upon the dark waters of the coal- 
stained Lehigh river. 

Foster stood behind him with a scowl upon his un- 
pleasant features and muttered a sentence in an inaudible 
tone. 

Finally, after Gilt-Edge Tom had ignored his presence 
I for several minutes he leaned over the young conductor’s 
» shoulder and said in a whisper: 

“Say, Gilt-Edge Tom, they tell me you are rising in 
the world, but that you are modestly hiding your light 
under a bushel.” 

Tom Verne made no answer. 

Again Foster spoke. 

“Who are the people stopping up at your house in the 
past two weeks?” 

i^o reply. 

“Won’t speak, eh? Don’t blame you for it, my boy, 


98 


A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE. 


Vd be ashamed myself to have it known that I was har- 
boring spies against my fellow employes/’ 

This was more than Gilt-Edge Tom could stand. 

Patience ceased to be a virtue, and like a flash he 
turned and faced Foster, his handsome features con- 
vulsed with passion. 

His eyes met a leering gaze in return, and he broke 
down the barriers of restraint. 

His right arm shot out and an iron fist landed squarely 
between Ralph Foster’s eyes. 

The next instant the’ elder conductor lay nearly in- 
sensible on the rough flooring of the car, felled at a single 
blow, 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


99 


CHAPTER IX. 

THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 

Q ILT-EDGE tom instantly regretted the blow 
which had felled Ralph Poster at his feet. 

A scene of confusion in the oar followed. 
Passengea’s, amazed and startled, sprang from their 
seats and crowded toward the place where the young 
conductor stood over his insulter. 

Gilt-Edge Tom, his face pale with passion, raised a 
hand and waved the crowd back. 

Then in a loud voice he said: ^^This was a case of ne- 
cessity. This man has got only what he deserved. No 
explanation is needed. Keep your seats.^’ 

A brakeman pushed his way dovm the aisle of the car 
to Tom’s side, attracted by the confusion. 

^^Am I needed?” he asked of the young conductor. 
^^Xo!” Gilt-Edge Tom answered. ^There will be no 
more trouble.” 

Ralph Foster slowly rose to his feet. 

Blood was streaming from a cut just over his eye, 
where Verne’s fist had landed. 

^^Go into the parlor car and wash your face,” said Gilt- 
Edge Tom, feeling a glow of sympathy for the man he 
had injured. ^A^ou can settle with me if you wish when 
we reach Easton. In the parlor car you will find sucli 
toilet articles as you may need.” 

guess I know that!” growled Poster. ^T’ll fix you 
for this, Gilt-Edge Tom; you will hear more from this 
day’s work.” 

The young conductor made no answer to this threat. 


100 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


Foster show'ed no desire to cause further trouble, but at 
once went into the forward cars. 

At South Bethlehem he left the train. 

Gilt-Edge Tom' was not sorry for this. Foster’s pres- 
ence on his train from the first had not been desired, and 
since their unpleasant encounter it became unbearable. 

The affair was the subject of general conversation 
among the passengers, and many of them, none of whom 
knew the cause of the young conductor’s act, cast severe 
glances upon him when he next gathered tickets. 

^^That was bad business for me,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. 
^T’ve made a bad mistake'. There’s but one thing to do 
about it, and that’s to face the affair to the end.” 

Arrived at Easton, he at once made out a brief report 
of what had taken place, omitting all details, and for- 
warded the same to the' General Superintendent of tlie 
railroad. 

When he reached home that night his mother at once 
noticed the troubled look upon the young conductor’s 
face. 

What’s the matter, Tom?” she asked, as soon as he 
had told her about the meeting of Nellie with Edith 
Lottimer and her safe arrival at Glen Summit. 

Gilt-Edge Tom evaded the question, and then forced 
his usual jollity to the surface. 

In the evening he and Grace De Forrest passed an 
hour in conversation, in the course of which he told the 
young woman of his unpleasant affair with Foster. 

^AYill it not cause you trouble?” she asked, 
suppose so,” was Gilt-Edge Tom’s reply. 

^Tester appears to be our evil genius,” said Grace. 

^A^es,” said the young man. ^^But his rope will be a 
short one. He will get his just deserts one of these days. 
I am sure now tliat he is a scoundrel. His every word to 
me to-day betrayed him as a villain.” 


lOI 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


^‘^Yes. He had absolutely no reason to expos© himself 
to you.^^ 

^‘None whatever. I cannot understand his viciousness 
and his stupidity. He never seemed to act like this in the 
past as I have known him.’^ 

^^Our presence here at your home is the eause/^ said 
Grace, ^^together with the fact that you have succeeded 
to his old and more desirable position.^’ 
suppose so/’ was Tom’s response-. 

^Y"es,” said Grace, ^Tle really believes, now that you 
have befriended us, Leon and myself, that you are — ” 

‘‘That I am also -a detective ?” interrupted Tom. “He 
knows better. But his words to me prove that he is 
aware of your identity and the object of your presence in 
this neighborhood.” 

“This fact will make our work all the harder to accom- 
plish,” said Grace. “Or rather it would,” she added, “if 
he was not so stupid as to talk in a manner to cast sus- 
picion upon himself.” 

“He is surely doing that,” said Tom. 

“Yes,” said Grace. “It surprises me that he has be- 
come so bold. He must feel that we are not to be feared 
and that no matter what he says to us or to you, there can 
be no proof found against him.” 

“But I understand that you already have some proof.” 

“Only such as satisfies me of his complicity in the 
crimes against 'the railroads. Not yet such proofs as 
would satisfy a court of law. It’s very different to accuse 
a man than to prove your accusations.’'’ 

“Of course,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, “you must have the 
most positive and tangible evidence before you can take 
the final steps.” 

“Yes. But of obtaining these we are hopeful. Much 
depends on the results of Nellie’s visit to Glen Summit.” 

“You have not changed your views concerning Mrs. C. 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


102 


Han’i'S Hey wood?’’ 

answered Grace. I decide upon a course of 
reasoning it takes a great deal to make me change my 
ideas on the subject. I hope that from Hellie to-moiTow 
we shall learn something that will strengthen my case. 
The fact that the woman’s baggage was on a later train 
than that on which she rode may in itself be an unimpor- 
tant feature of the case, but to me it indicates in a degree 
ihat my beliefs concerning her, as I told you last night, 
were correct.” 

see mothing in that,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. 

^Tf she had had trouble with you about her ticket,” 
said Grace, ^^her baggage would have been an impediment 
to her movements, would it not?” 

^^Yes, but how does the fact that it was on a later train 
indicate anything. Baggage is often delayed in hand- 
ling at connecting points of railroads.” 

^Tbat is very true,” said Grace. ^^But in this case it 
is possible that the delay was intentional and as soon as 
Mrs. Heywood, as she calls herself, at Glen Summit, got 
through all right the baggage followed.” 

“Perhaps you are right,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. ^^But 
it seems to me that you are taking a great deal for granted 
w'hen you have only a mere surmise to work upon. Par- 
don me, Miss De Forrest, if I speak frankly and perhaps 
doubtfully.” 

^^You are certainly a doubting Thomas,” said the 
young woman Avitli a smile, ^Heon has often said similar 
things to me when I have jumped to Conclusions as he calls 
them. We shall soon know.” 

On the following day, Gilt-Edge Tom ^ dh the arrival 
uf his train at South Bethlehem, was greeted at the sta- 
tion by the head clerk of the General Superintendent’s 
office. 

He and the young conductor were w'oll acquainted. 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


103 

In fact, Gilt-Edge Tom was personally well known, 
fr<om the nature of liis position, to all tlie clerks and oi- 
fioei'S. 

The young man at once informed the young conductor 
that his report of the previous day’s occurrence had been 
handed to Mr. Wilbur and that further explaniation was 
, needecf. 

^T’ve told the whole sto'rj^,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. 
^‘Foeter and I had a few words and they led to trouble be- 
tween us. I regret the occurrence and admit that I was 
not without blame.” 

^^That will not satisfy, I fear,” said the clerk. ^W^rite 
out a more complete report and hand it in to-night. We 
have also asked for Foster’s side of the stiory.” 

^^All right!” siaid Gilt-Edge Tom. ^T’ll think it 
over.” 

The young conductor haid expected some request of the 
kind and was relieved to find that he was not immediately 
summoned to appeal’ in person before his superior officers. 

It was the first time in all his railroad experience that 
he had ever felt himself guilty of a breach of discipline. 

He well knew that he had done a rash act and that no 
matter what the provocation his superiors could not al- 
low personal quarrels to mar the railroad’s honorable 
record. 

The story of his encounter with Ralph Foster, he had 
discovered before leaving Easton, had become pretty 
generally known among railroad men. 

At Allentown he was spoken to by a fellow employee 
about the matter, but Gilt-Edge Tom made no reply. 

Arrived at Glen Summit, the young conductor was 
pleased to meet Nellie as he had expected. 

Edith Lottimer was, of course, with her. 

The stop at the station was very brief and tlieir conver- 
sation was cut ^liort by the requirements of the time 


104 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


schedule. 

“Good morning, 'and good morning to you, 

I'ldith,’’ said Toni. “W'hait news, ISTellie?’^ 

“I found her all right,’’ was the answer in a low voice. 
“She is the most conspicuous woman at the hotel. She 
has lots of friends. Last evening sfhe gave a dinner party 
and there was a dance afterward. Oh ! Edith and I had 
lots of fun.” 

“Cut it short,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. “I can’t hold the 
train to hear long stories. I’ll tell you what to do, wite 
out in detail and hand me your story in an envelope when 
I come down to-night.” 

“Oh! you mean thing,” cried Nellie with a pout. 

“Can’t help it,” said Gilt-Edge' Tom. “I’ve got to 
rush the train along. We are half a minute late already. 
“You car see that it’s the best way. Isn’t it Edith?” 

“Yes,” replied the young lady- to whom Tom appealed. 

“You are comfortably situated all right, ain’t you?” 
asked Tom as he waved his hand to the engineer. 

“Yes, splendidly,” cried both girls in unison. “This 
is a lovely place.” 

“All aboard!” shouted Tom and Glen Summit was left 
behind, the two girls looking mudh piqued at the abrupt 
departure of the young conductor. 

“Did you ever see him act so mean?” Nellie demanded, 
turning upon Edith a pair of eyes half filled with teai^. 
“He wouldn’t listen to me.” 

“ Y our brother must do his duty, you know,” answered 
Edith. “He has no right to hold the train, as he said, 
just to talk to us.” 

“Of course, you must be right,” said Nellie, “but if it 
had been some other girl he wouldn’t have been in such a 
rush.” 

“Oh, Nellie,” laughed her companion, “you are too 
sensitive. Tom couldn’t stop, you know that. Why, if 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


105 


you had told him all we did last night amd to-day and he 
had waited to hear it he wo-iild still be here.’^ 

Nellie laughed. She admitted Edith’s statement, and 
then the two girls went up the boardwalk from the sta- 
tion to the hotel and enjoyed a promenade on the spa- 
cious balconies and drank in the beauties of the view of 
the surrounding countrj^ 

From the high elevation occupied by the summer 
colony of Glen Summit, on Nescopie Mountain, the eye 
could roam for miles over a delightful mountain and 
valley scene that is not frequently exceeded in pictur- 
esqueness. 

Following Gilt-Edge Tom’s instructions, Nellie Yerne, 
assisted by Edith Lottimer, who, of course, had been 
initiated into the mystery of Nellie’s visit to Glen Sum- 
mit, wrote a detailed account of what she had done and 
hcaa^'d since the preceding day. 

She first wrote that the manager of the hotel had pro- 
vided well for their comfort, and, notwithstanding their 
unexpected arrival and the crowded condition of the 
hotel, they had been domiciled in a suite of elegant apart- 
ments, with a view fronting upon the railroad, beyond 
the line of w*hich the scenic panorama spread away as far 
as the vision could compass. 

After dinner the two girls were introduced to the 
fashionable set presided over by Mrs. 0. Harris Heywood 
and her friends. 

Gilt-Edge Tom’s deiscription of the woman had been 
quite accurate, and even before the introduction Nellie 
had recognized her. 

Mrs. Heywood proved to be an extremely attractive 
woman, and appeared to have a large circle of friends. 

Apparently slie was a woman of wealth, if the many 
jew^els she wore and the style of her dresses was to be 
accepted as evidence. 


Io6 THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 

Nellie and Edith weire Tequeeted to participate in the 
evening’s festivities and this invitation they accepted 
with some embarrassment. 

With minuteness Nellie described in her letter to Tom 
the individuals co'mprising Mrs. Heywoo'd’s seit. 

She closed the letter by stating that she understooid 
that Mrs. Heywooid expected on the foillowing Saturday 
to be joined by her husband and another gentleman 
from Chicago. 

When Edith gathered up the dozen or so sheets of pa- 
per at Nellie’s request and wrapped them in a package 
she asked: 

^^How long would it have taken you to have told your 
brother all this?” 

think his train would have been several minutes late 
if he had waited to hear it all,” replied Nellie with a 
laugh. ^^Now I must write a letter to mother and a note 
to Grace.” 

This task completed, and it was. time for the girls to 
dress for luncheon. 

In the afternoon Nellie observed tliat Mrs. Hey wood 
and one of her companions, to w'hom she had also been 
introduced — Mrs. Kearney — took a carriage and left the 
neighborhood of the hotel for a drive into the forest re- 
gion back over the mountain. 

At the time of the arrival of Gilt-Edge Tom’s train in 
its eastward trip they had not returned to the hotel. 

There were again cordial but brief greetings between 
the brother and sister and Edith, and Nellie delivered to 
Gilt-Edge Tom her three literary efforts. 

^^Mrs. Hey^vood and a friend, Mrs. Kearney,” said 
N ellie, ^hre now out driving. There is nothing new. W e 
are getting along splendidly and having a nice time here.” 

Nothing occurred to break the general routine of his 
work until Gilt-Edge Tom agadn reached South Bethle- 


THE MIDNIGHT SrECIAL. 


107 

hetai. 

He had givem the subject tif his affair with Ralph 
Foster little attenltioiu during the day. 

Again he was greeted by the superintendeart’s clerk. 

^^Got the reporit for meV’ was the greeting he met with 
from tlie young mam 

said Gilt-Edge Tom. ^T’ve nothing more to 
say. Let Foster do the rest.’’ 

‘Tester has not been heard from,” said the clerk. ‘‘I’ll 
tell you something that may interest you, though I 
didn’t know it this morning when I saw you; Foster 
was suspended from duty yesterday. I was told that if 
you had a further report to make to accept it, but that 
if you hadn’t to tell you that it is all right and that for the 
present you will hear no more of this affair.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom was interested in what he heard. 

The young conductor made no reply, merely nodding 
his head, and then signialled for the starting of his train. 

“Grace will be interested to hear of tiliis,” he mut- 
tered. “Ralph Foster suspenlded, leh? He was under 
suspension when he tackled me lasit night. By Jove ! but 
I believe the mills are grinding.” 

Grace He Forrest listened with great interest that 
evening to ^he report Gilt-Edge Tom brought to her. 

She read Nellie Verniers account of affairs at Glen 
Summit half a dozen times. 

She appeared to feel greater interest in tli'alt than in 
Gilt-Edge Tom’s announcement of Ralplh Foster’s sus- 
pension. 

“Nellie is doing finely,” she said. 

“Yes,” said the young conductor. “What do you 
think of what she says?” 

^ “Quite impioatanit,” was 'the reply. 

“Anything guggesting that you are to learn what you 
desire to know?” , - , 


io8 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


^^Petrliaps/’ Grace answered, ^dn tlTe first place, we 
learn already thait Mrs. C. Harris Heywo<cyd is neit merely 
a n'ob'ody. Sire is a w’eman aibomt winom an impoo^tan't cir- 
cle apparently congregates. If slhe is connected rvitb the 
persons who are in tilris railroad swindle she is certainly 
conn'ected wi'th tlie leaders of the nrovement.’^ 

^^Yonr reasoning is apparently good/’ said Gilt-Edge 
Tom, ^^especially if she is connected with them.” 

^Tf she was not so connected,” said Grace, positively, 
^^she would never have, had that ticket of which so 
much has been said.” 

^^Explain,” 'tiie young conductor requested. 

^These tickets,” said Grace promptly, ‘fit has been 
finally discovered are distributed princijially by Chicago 
and Hew York ticket scalpers. They are the middlemen. 
They obtain the tickets from the supply agents of the 
ringleaders. A woman, such as Hellie describes Mrs. Hey- 
wood to be, does not often travel on a scalpers’ ticket. 
Scalpers’ tickets are sold, as a rule, to a different class of 
travellers.” 

“Correct,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. “But I notice that 
you say, “has been finally discovered?’ ” 

“Yes,” Grace answered. “As you are aware, Leon 
and myself are not the only detectives engaged in ferret- 
ing out the fountain head of this swindle. To-day Leon 
had a very comfortable day. Doctor French has allowed 
him to sit up in bed. A couple of days more and he will 
be nearly himself again, except lacking in strength. Jx 
will be a long time before that fully returns. He is now 
sleeping naturally, vfith a full return of his faculties. 
To-day I took advantage of his improved condition to pay 
a huiTied visit to the Lehigh Bailroad offices at South 
Bethlehem, and had a talk with Mr. "Wilbur, the Gen- 
eral Superintendent.” . 

“Which explains,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, with suiq^rise, 


109 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


^^how it happens that my further report concerning my 
affaii’ with Ralph Foster was not insisted upon. You 
went, then, in my interest 

^^Yes,'^ said Grace. liad that for one object, but 
there were other reasons why I made the visit.^^ 

^^You were vei^^ kind,^’ said Gilt-Edge Tom. ^Tt was 
more than I expected. Your influence must be consider- 
able at headquarters.’’ 

^^Rot very great,” Grace answered, ^Tiit the character 
of my work and the fact that I have been engaged by 
the railroad made it consistent for me to explain more 
than you would have done.” 

^^Can I know what you told dhem about me?’^ 
^^Certainly !” said Grace. ^Tn the past Leon made 
frequent reports of the work we w^ere accomplishing. 
When he was hurt his reports ceased. I sent v^ord that 
he had met with an accident, but no details of the nature. 
To-day I told to j\Ir. Wilbur everything, and explained 
how you had unavoidably been brought into the case, and 
how that the Foster affair was the outcome of a chain of 
circumstances. To my extreme regret, Foster yesterday 
was suspended from duty. This I was aware of before 
you just told it. While Leon and I have, been inactive, 
others have been successful in a degree. Yesterday morn- 
ing in Chicago and in i^ew York a number of ticket 
scalpers were arrested, and a quantity of counterfeit 
tickets were found. AVliat may be learned as the out- 
come of their arrest is yet to be seen. It is hoped that 
some one of the men who have been arrested will expose 
the principals. This, for my part, ! do not expect to hap- 
pen. I look for the exposures of the ringleaders through 
the woman at Glen Summit.” 

^k\nd Foster’s suspension?” asked Gilt-Edge Tom, 
who had heard witlLdeep interest Grace De Forrest’s 
revelations. 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


no 


^*Was caused by a suspicious shortage of ticket returns. 
As yet nothing tangible us known against him. Leeii, 
however, before long can furnish proof that will cause 
Ids arrest.’^ 

Just then there came a light knock at the sick room 
door. 

Mrs. Verne was admitted. 

messenger for you, Tom/’ she said, ^^from the rail- 
way station.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom went to the door below and found a 
young man awaiting him. 

^^Hello, Jack/’ he said cheerily. ^AVhat is it?” 

The messenger was a brakeman with whom he was 
well acquainted. 

^^Special train making up/’ was the reply, ^^and they 
want you to conduct it to Wilkesbarre to-night.” 

^^How about ISluniber 1, to-morrow?” asked Gilt- 
Edge Tom in surprise. 

^^Dunno! All I know is that you are called for now.” 

^^All right/’ said Tom, ^T’ll be with you directly. I 
suppose I’ll get instructions later.” 

He hastily told his mother of the sudden summons, and 
then hustled into his uniform, said good-night to Grace 
De Forrest and kissed his mother good-bye. 

Five minutes later, he found the special, consisting jof 
two cars, a combination baggage and smoker, and one 
day coach, just hauling into the station. 

A score of men, several of whom Gilt-Edge Tom knew 
as men interested in the coal mining industries at Wilkes- 
barre, were distributed in the two cars. 

A message of instructions was handed" to the young 
conductor. 

The train was to be put through to ’Wilkesbarre with 
all speed, stopping only at South Bethlehem, Allentown 
and Mauch Chunk. 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


Ill 


At Wilkesbarre Gilt-Edge Tom was to wait for tire 
return run of his regular train, which would make tlie 
westwai’d run with a spare conductor. 

Two hours later, while the midnight special was run- 
ning at lightning speed through the dense darkness of 
the night, with the little town of White Haven five miles 
down the valley, Gilt-Edge Tom, wlip, since leaving 
Mauch Chunk, had been sitting in the rear of the day 
coach, started to go forward to the smoker. 

He cast a glance out of the train at the shadows of the 
mountains towering high on each side of the Lehigh 
River. He walked forward and, opening the door, 
stepped out into the darkness upon the platform. 

As he did so he grasped the brake wheel for support, 
as the train was jolting and swaying at a fearful rate, and 
slammed the door shut behind him. 

The door of the smoking car opened and shut at the 
same time, and a tall, heavy-set man confronted him on 
the platform. 

From the rear car a dim light shone on his features. 

The man was Ralph Foster! 

In surprise Gilt-Edge Tom uttered his name. 

Above the roar and rumble of the train came back 
the words: 

Ralph Foster. How, Gilt-Edge Tom, you shall 
pay for the blow you gave me!’’ 

The next instant Ralph Foster sprang fonvard like a 
tiger and clutched Gilt-Edge Tom by the throat with the 
grasp of a maniac. 

A struggle for life and death at once began. 

Foster’s onslaught was made mth the intent of throw- 
ing Gilt-Edge Toin from the car platform between the 
ears and under the wheels of the speeding train. 

Gilt-Edge Tom’s grip on the brake wheel saved his 
life. 


112 


THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL. 


Retaining a despeirate grasp, lie fonglit with his left 
hand to beat his enemy off. 

A minute passed. 

Gilt-Edge Tom landed a maddened blow into Foster^s 
face. 

The train suddenly lurched as the wheel struck a 
curve in the rail. 

Foster^s only support was his deadly grasp on Gilt- 
Edge Tom’s throat. 

The rumble of the wheels of tlLe train on a bridge 
sounded. 

The rushing waters of the Lehigh River roared be- 
neath. 

Gilt-Edge Tom’s blow struck home. 

The blow and the lurch of the train were fatal. 

Foster’s grasp on the young conductor’s throat was 
broken, and with a despairing scream that told of awful 
mental agony the madman disappeared from Tom’s view 
into the darkness. 

The faint sound of a splash in the water reached Gilt- 
Edge Tom’s ears, as he staggered blindly into the smok- 
ing car. 


IWAS DONE IN SELF-DEFENSeJ 


113 


n > 

L 


CHAPTEK X. 

^TWAS DONE IN SELF-DEFENSe/^ 

Q ILT-EDGE TOM^S escape from the death Kalph 
Foster had planned for him had been a narrow 
one. 

Foster had become a victim of his own murderous 
plans. 

At Allentown he had learned of the coming of the 
midnight special with Gilt-Edge Tom in charge of the 
train. 

Since his contact \vith the young conductor on the 
previous day he had been nursing his schemes for re- 
venge. 

Against Gilt-Edge Tom his enmity Avas of the most 
murderous nature. 

^^Gilt-Edge Tom shall pay for that bloAV Avith his life/’ 
he hissed betAveen his clenched teeth. 

SomehoAV Foster had decided that Gilt-Edge Tom had 
been responsible for his loss of the morning express; and, 
furthermore, that in some unknoAvn Avay his peculations 
of tickets had become knoAvn through the agency of the 
young conductor. 

This AA^as the reason he sought Tom out on his train 
and uttered his insulting words. 

These insults had resulted disastrously to Foster, and 
on his forehead he bore the marks of Gilt-Edge Tom’s 
heavy hand. 

Ralph Foster learned that the midnight special Avas to 
stop at AllentoAvn, and AAdien the train left that station 
lie Avas among the party Avhich boarded it. 


II4 ^IWAS DONE IN SELF-DEFENSE.” 

He avoided recognition from Tom bj hiding his fea- 
tures beneath a fabe beard and under a wide-brimmed 
soft hat. 

Ealph Foster on more than one occasion liad worn 
these two articles of apparel. 

His railroad uniform he had discarded on the morning 
of the day. 

After Mauch Chunk was passed, and the course of the 
train followed the winding valley of the Lehigh Eiver, 
with -its enveloping mountain shadows on either side, 
Ralph Foster, from the rear of Die smoking car, kept a 
close watch on the movements of Gilt-Edge Tom. 

He saw the handsome young conductor sitting at the 
rear of the day coach gazing out at the blackness of the 
night. 

Finaly the lights of White Haven flashed past the win- 
dows of the train. 

Then the heart of the wildest and most mountainous 
part of the Yalley Route was entered. 

With a smile just flitting across his dark features, 
Ralph Foster remembered that the train was nearing the 
place Avhere not long since he had abandoned Leon Do 
Forrest by the river side. 

He saw Gilt-Edge Tom rise to his feet and start to 
come toward the smoker. 

^^This will be my opportunity,’^ Foster muttered to 
himself, and he buttoned his coat tightly across his 
chest. 

He slunk back in his seat and watched Gilt-Edge 
Tom’s progress through the rear car. 

A hasty glance at the passengers assured the villain 
that they were nearly all sleeping or so busily engaged 
in conversation that they would be unlikely to notice any 
movement he might make. 

Jack Turner, the brakeman of the train, had just gone 


“ 'IWAS DONE IN SELF-DEFENSE/' 


II5 


forward into the baggage apartment, 

Fro]n the straining locomotive dense clouds of smoke 
and steam were thrown back by the rush of the train and 
enveloped the open space between the cars at intervals. 

Every tiling favored Foster’s murderous intentions. 

^^He shall know who sends him to his death!” Foster 
hissed, and just as Gilt-Edge Tom placed his hand on the 
knob of the coach door the false beard was snatched from 
Foster’s face and thrust into his coat pocket. 

And now Gilt-Edge Tom clutches the brake wheel and 
stops to close the car door. 

Foster faces him and then conies the death struggle. 

With a wild, despairing shriek Kalph Foster received 
Gilt-Edge Tom’s blow for freedom. 

Then the lurch of the train. His fingers lost their 
strength. A mist fioated before his eyes. 

He fell through space. The black waters of the Le- 
high River closed over him. 

The swift current rapidly bore him down the stream. 

Then came a ringing in his ears, a terrible shock to his 

brain, and then — oblivion! 

****** 

The early streaks of dawn were just struggling over 
the mountain tops when the crew of a Lehigh Valley rail- 
road coal train saw a strange object fioating in the black 
current of the river. 

The freight Avas standing about a mile below the bridge 
which crosses the river half a mile below Bear Creek 
Junction. 

The head brakeman called the attention of his com- 
panion, the fireman oi the locomotive, to the fioating 
object. 

An eddy in the river had, near to where they stood, 
cast up a bank of coal dust and sand. 

The object floated against the bank and remained sta- 


Il6 ‘‘ ^IWAS DONE IN self-defense/' 
tionary. 

AVith a ruslh the men spmng down th<e river bank 
and examined their find. 

God!’’ cried the brakeman; ^fit’s a dead man.” 

AVith haste' they drew the body from the water and 
gazed upon the bruised and blackened features. 

Each looked at the other in horror-sitruck awe. 

^^It’s Ralph Foster,” said the fireman in hushed tones. 

^^Yes,” whispered Ben Leary, the brakeman, who had 
known Ralph Foster in life. ^^But — better men than him 
have died ere this.” 

^^Sh ! Si>eak well of the dead !” 

****** 

Upon Gilt-Edge Tom’s <throiat, as he staggered, in a 
dazed manner, into the smoking ear with Ralph Foster’s 
death cry still ringing in his ears, were the black marks 
made by the fingers of his would-be murderer. 

The young conductor felt weak and faint as a result 
of the terrible struggle of the preceding moments. 

The whole terrible affair had taken place in less than 
half a minute’s space of time, but the strain upon Gilt- 
EdgC' Tom had been horrible'. 

At his hands he felt that I'oster had gone 'to his death. 

Gilt-Edge Tom believed that with the midnig’ht special 
rushing along 'at the rate of a mile a minute n'o man could 
be thrown from the train into the rocky stream of the 
Lehigh River and live to tell the tale. 

Already the speed of the 'train had carri'ed it in its 
journey past the few lights that still burned, marking the 
location of the Glen Summit Hotel, w^here his sister Nellie 
and Edith Lottimer were sleeping, innocent of the knowl- 
edge of the night’s awful occurrence. 

Not a person in the smoking oar noticed Gilt-Edge 
Tom’s silent form in the rear of the oar. 

At length, just as the train passed over the ridge of 


’IWAS DONE IN SELF-l^EFENSE. 


II7 


tilie moun tains and began its descent onto the plain w^here 
Wilkesbarre lay, a sleeping, silent city, Jack Turner, the 
brakeinan, returned from the baggage compartment and 
stopped at Gilt-Edge’s Tom’s side. 

The young conductor sat leaning over the back of the 
seat in front of him, his face butied in his hands. 

The brakeman at once realized that something was 
wrong. 

He placed his hand lightly on Gilt-Edge Tom’s arm. 

AVith a face pale and drawn and with agony of mind 
the j^ung conductor looked up into Jack Turner’s sym- 
pathetic eyes. 

^^AVhat’s the matter?” Jack asked. Anything 
Avrong?” 

Then he saw the marks of violence on Gilt-Edge Tom’s 
white throat. 

These were the distinct marks left by Ralph Foster’s 
fingers. 

In several places the skin was cut and tom by the 
villain’s finger nails. 

^^Tom, you’ve had trouble!” cried Jack Turner. ^^What 
has happened? AV^ho has attacked you?” 

Several of the dozing passengers heard the words and 
sprang to the young conductor’s side. 

Gilt-Edge Tom apparently nOt noticing anyone save 
the brakeman spoke slowly and in a trembling voice. 

had to fight for my life. Jack,” he said. ^A’^ou know 
Ralph Foster?” 

^^Yes.” 

^Tle tackled me on the platform down on the bridge 
below Bear Creek Junction. He is in the river now.” 

^^My God!” cried Jack Tum'er to the passengers. ^^Do 
you hear that? An attempt was made to murder Gilt- 
Edge Toiii and- by another conductor. Look! Look at 
Tom’s throat.” 


Il8 ‘‘ ’IWAS DONE IN self-defense/' 

By tihis time tlie smoking oar con'tiaine>d nearly every 
passenger on tihe train. 

One of the passengers, leaning closer to Gilt-Edge 
Tom, instantly saw liow fierce bad been the attacking 
clutch at the young conduotoEs throat and inquired : 

‘^Are you badly hurt?'' 

I guess not," said Gilt-Edge Tom, painfully. 

^A^ou say the villain is in the river?" 

^^Yes," said Torn. ^AVhile we were struggling a lurch 
of the train threw him from the platform." 

And now the railway yard at Wilkeebarre w^as reached 
and the whistle of the engine warned the passengers of 
their arrival at the Coal City. 

They besieged Gilt-Edge Tom with questions, to all of 
which he answered that he knew no reason for the at- 
tack upon him, and then he added that he hoped his 
enemy would pulTthroug'h the danger that threatened his 
life. 

^Tf he never pulls through," said a dozen men, ^^you 
cannot be blamed. Your throat tells the danger you have 
escaped. Whatever tliei outcome, your actions, wliatever 
they may have been, miisit clearly have been in self- 
defense." 

Gilt-Edge Tom on entering the conductor's room at 
Wilkesbarre proceeded to place bandages on his scarred 
throat and then caused a message to be sent back down 
the line to cause trainmen and trackmen of the railroad to 
be alert to discover, if possible, traces of his enemy's body. 

Early in the moiaiing he learned of the arrival of the 
body at AVilkesbarre on a freight train and heard the 
story of its discovery. 

He went at once to police headquarters and told his 
story of the affair, but as there were a dozen of his pre- 
aTous night^s passengers accompanying him, each of 
vdiom testified to the trutlifulness of Gilt-Edge Tom's 


’IWAS DONE IN self-defense/' 1 19 

statement and lids threat being a mute mtness, there the 
ease ended. 

The newspapers contained detailed accoimts of the af- 
fair, and Gilt-Edge Tom foimd himself unpleasantly a 
conspicuous figure in current events. 

At the usual time Gilt-Edge Tom’s regular train ar- 
rived at AVilkesbarre, and, to his great satisfaction, he 
found Dick Clay in charge^ 

The greeting between the two chums was affecting. 

^Teirible affair,” said Dick, referring to Foster’s fate, 
heard of it at Easton this morning. Kept it as quiet 
as was possible, but you know how such news spreads.” 

^^Did mother hear of it?” Gilt-Edge Tom asked anx- 
iously. 

cannot say,” was Dick Clay’s reply. 

^'\Saw Kellie and Edith on the way here. They wanted 
to know where you were, and when I told tliem you went 
through on a special in the night, Kellie wanted to know 
why you didn’t stop.” 

^Must like her,” said Tom. 

^Told them you’d come down as usual to-night.” 

^A"es, Dick. But say, what are your orders?” 

^To come back with you as a passenger,” was the re- 
ply. ^T'om, this train is a dandy. I’d like it all the 
time.” 

^^You can have it, Dick,” said Tom seriously. ^^That 
is, if the Super, says you can. I’m going to quit the busi- 
ness. That affair last night ” 

^^Konsense, Tom !” cried Dick hastily. ^^Tou must not 
let that affect you like this.” 

^^Can’t help it, Dick. It’s terrible.” 

^Yrue enough; but you are not to blame.” 

^^They all tell me that,” said Tom, ^^but I know I can 
never cross that bridge again without hearing Foster’s ' 
cry of agony.” 


120 ‘‘ ’IWAS DONE IN SELF-DEFENSE.’' 

^^Cliange the subject, Tom. Think of sometliing else. 
Think about Grace De Forrest.’’ 

^^Don’t, Dick. It’s thoughts of her that make me feel 
as I do. What will she now think of me?” 

^^She will thank God that Foster, not you, went into 
the river.” 

By the time it was the hour for Gilt-Edge Tom to take 
his train again, tlirough the genial companionship of 
Dick Clay, he had nearly recovered from the gloom cast 
over him by the event of the preceding night. 

At Glen Summit he again saw Nellie, and received 
her daily report. 

There were no new developments for her to chronicle. 

Her letter merely contained an outline of the pleasure 
she and Edith were enjoying. 

That evening, as usual, Grace and Gilt-Edge Tom held 
their consultation. 

Grace De Forrest, from- the Easton evening papers, 
had heard of Kalph Foster’s death, and was prepared for 
the tale he had to relate. 

She assured the young conductor, as Dick Clay had 
done, that he was blameless, and that Foster had brought 
his fate upon himself. 

In the past few days, since Leon’s improvement had 
come, the young woman had told her brother of the way 
he became Gilt-Edge Tom’s guest, and enlightened him 
about the general situation. 

Gilt-Edge Tom, on the evening of which we now 
write, for the first time bad the pleasure of knowing the 
young detective and of congratulating him upon his 
promised speedy recovery. 

Leon was still weak, but he joined in the evening’s 
conversation. 

^^Nellie writes,” said Grace, ^^that Mrs. Hey wood ex- 
pects her husband and a friend at Glen Summit on Sat- 


“ ’IWAS DONE IN SELF-DEFENSE.” I’l 

urday. By that time Leon will be able to take oare of 
himself, and I hope to be at Glen Summit myself. Then 
we will see what will develop.” 

“Yes,” said Leon, “Grace has told me all about these 
people up there, and I am sure we are to weave the web 
that will snare our game.” 

“This is Wednesday,” said Grace, “three days more 
for Nellie.” 

“She is having a fine time,” said Tom. “She will not 
be in a hurry to return home.” 

“No, she can remain while I am there, too,” said 
Grace. “By the way, Mr. Yeme,” she added, “I re- 
ceived a letter to-day from Mr. Wilbur, and there is a 
paragraph in it that you may hear— several, in fact.” 

She spread a letter before him as she spoke, and then 
read aloud: — 

“Assure our esteemed friend, Mr. Verne, that his gen- 
erous hospitality to you and to your brother is duly ap- 
preciated by the Lehigh Valley Eailroad. Assure" him 
also that he is not held accountable for the affair of Mon- 
day evening on his train. We should, in fact, feel proud 
of him for his manliness in resisting an unwarranted in- 
sult, even though it was a breach of our official discipline. 
Assure him also that there will be no expense resulting 
from the visit Miss Verne and her companion are making 
to Glen Summit in our mutual interests.” 

“Whew !” Gilt-Edge Tbm whistled, “ but the Super, 
is laying it on plenty thick. But I fear last night’s awful 
affair will settle me with him.” 

“You are being appreciated on your merits, Mr. 
Verne,” said Leon. “The affair up the river will only 
prove that you w’ere unjustly injured by a scoundrel.” 

“Well,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. as he prepared to leave 
the sick room, “I am glad that I have not got to stand a 
heavy bill of expense for Edith and Nellie, for I will ad- 


122 ‘‘ ’IWAS DONE IN SELF-DEFENSE.” 

mit that I cannot well afford it. Of course, I don’t want 
you to think, though, that that would make any differ- 
ence to me when I saw what my plain duty by the rail- 
road was,^’ he added, regretting his confession. ^ff3ut I 
think. Miss De Forrest, that to you I am indebted for the 
Super’s kindness.” 

^^'Not at all,” said Grace quickly. ^^Yesterday when I 
had my talk with him, he spoke of the subject-exactly as 
he has now written. He said that he would wire at once 
to Philadelphia, to the general offices, a full report of 
your doings, and make several recommendations in your 
behalf.” 


AND NATURE SMILED THAT DAY. 


123 


CHAPTEKXI. 

AND NATURE SMILED THAT DAY. 

G race DE FORREST met with no disappoint- 
ment in her arrangements for visiting Glen 
Summit on the following Saturday. 

Leon’s improvement was now so far advanced that he 
no longer required her attention as a nurse. 

Doctor French declared that the young man, if he 
avoided excitement and too much activity for a few days, 
could consider himself well again. 

Nellie and Edith ait Glen Summit had continued their 
daily reports, but nothing of consequence developed for 
them to chronicle. 

On Friday Gilt-Edge Tom told them that Grace would 
join them on Saturday and to be prepared for her coming. 

The young girls were overjoyed at the news, and were 
both on hand when Gilt-Edge Tom’s train arrived in the 
morning. 

Grace and Tom on the westward run were together in 
the parlor car, between Toni’s trips through the coaches, 
and they enjoyed the ride in each other’s company very 
much. 

“Do you like this work, conducting?” Grace asked in 
the course of the eonversiation. 

“Oh, yes,” Gilt-Edge Tom replied; “there are some 
pleasant features in tlhe business.” 

“It’s not all play,” she remarked. “A great many peo- 
ple have the impreission that a conductor’s position is what 
is termed a ‘snap.’ ” 

Gilt-Edge Tom laughed. 


124 


AND NATURE SMILED THAT DAY, 


^^Some coaiductors try and make it a ^snap/ 'lie said. 

^^Yes/^ said Grace, ‘Hliey parade througih. ‘t'keir trains 
like a Governor's colonel in a ballroom, in an array of 
brass buttons and seek to impress the public with their 
importance.’’ 

^^Do not policemen and many others w’ho wear uni- 
forms do that?” Gilt-Edge Tom asked. 

^^Oh, yes! they all have their vanities,” Grace re- 
plied. ^^But many -overdo it.” 

^^Admitted!” said the young man. ^^Some do commit 
strange actions. Especially when pretty girls or hand- 
some matrons are the passengers.” 

have noticed that,” said Grace. ^^But are you in- 
cluded in that catalogue?” 

hope not,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. ^^Of course-, I ad- 
mire pretty girls,” and then in spite of himself his ©yes 
spoke volumes to Grace De Forrest. 

She had been looking him squarely in the face. Now 
she blushed slightly and dropped her eyes. 

Gilt-Edge Toan saw the effect his words produced and 
his heart throbbed more rapidly than usual. 

find,” he said, ^That the principal trouble with con- 
ducting a train is the monotony of the routine. For a 
while everything is pleasant and interesting. Then comes 
a tiresome monotony — the .same thing day in and 
day out. The same routine of collecting tickets. T! ■ 
same foolish and absurd questions and tricks of 'p: 
sengers. The pompous passenger, the timid passenr 
the passenger who is afraid that the train is going to iiju 
connecting lines even wHhen assured a dozen times that the 
express is on time or even when there is an hour to- vuit 
after the junction point is reached. But of all passen- 
gers who are the most trying to my patience women who 
hold my train in order to say ^Good-bye, dear; be sure 
and write/ are the worst,” 


AND NATURE SMILED THAT DAY. 


125 


Grace laughed. In her frequent travels she had seen 
many instances of the kind. 

^^You fin^i that travelling over the same run day after 
day gets monotonous?’’ she asked. ^^How can such scen- 
ery as delights the eye through this Lehigh Valley ever, 
become monotonous to view? It is always changing.” 

^^Yes,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, looking out of the car 
window to the green forest-oovered mountains and the 
beautiful view back down the course of the river, ^^the 
scenery is very beautiful ; I never tire of that. I meant 
the routine of the business. One can never tire of tlie 
beautiful.” 

never ride through these mountains,” said Grace, 
^Svithout feeling happier and more contented with life. 
The world is indeed fortunate to possess such beauties as 
here exist. All through the valley are many features 
that oan be dwelt on in memory. The beauties of Mt. 
Pisgah, in what is called the Switzerland of America, at 
Mauch Chunk and also Glen Onoko; then the over- 
hanging mountain tops further up the valley; next tho 
glorious beauties of the Wyoming Valley; then the wind- 
ing Susquehanna; then the lake region, occupied bv 
those beautiful sheets of water — Lakes Seneca and 
Cayuga, with the vineyards bordering them:; and at tho 
end of the ix>ute, that wonderful work of the Creator, Nia- 
gara Falls.” 

^A"ou speak truly,” said Gilt-Ege Tom; ^^tliey are all 
indeed beautiful. Miss De Forrest, you are an ardent 
lover of nature.” 

am,” said Grace. ^^No matter how the world may 
rock and sway by the conflict of its peoples, mature re- 
mains always sweet and affectionate to her admirers. Oh ! 
I only wish I was an artist,” she added, ^^and could put on 
canvas the beauty I see in nature.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom was an interested listener to the young 


126 


AND NATURE SMILED THAT DAY. 


woman’s entliiisias’ti.c words and regret'ted that Glen Sinn- 
mit would be reached at the end of another five minutes, 

^^Shall I see you, as you have been in the habit of see- 
ing I^^ellie, each day at Glen Summit?” Grace asked when 
he called her attention to the nearness to the end of her 
journey. 

^^Oh, yes,” said Gilt-Edge Tom; ^That is if you are at 
the station as she is.” 

shall have messages to send to Leon,” said Grace, 
naively. 

shall be glad to convey them,” was the young con- 
ductor’s reply. ^^Here we are. Glen Summit!” 

Nellie and Grace kissed affectionately at meeting, and 
for the first time, Grace De Forrest met her Buffalo 
friend, Edith Lottimer. 

Gilt-Edge Tom, watch in hand, counted the seconds, 
and then cried : ^LVll aboard I” 

On the return trip as he began to gather tickets he 
looked expectantly for Glen Summit passengers. 

In the parlor car he discovered two, but as the Pull- 
man conductor had collected the tickets he was not 
at first certain which of the passengers were destined for 
that station. 

He asked the question of the parlor car conductor, and 
received the desired information. 

He at once took it for granted that the two men were 
0. Harris Hey wood and his friend from Chicago. 

At Glen Summit, while he was conversing with Grace, 
Nellie and Edith, the two men alighted from the car and 
were greeted by Mrs. Hey wood and Mrs. Kearney, who 
came down the walk to meet them. 

Grace De Forrest saw the meeting, and whispered to 
Gilt-Edge Tom: ^Tliey are here. I may have news for 
you to-morrow.” 

hope so,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. ^^But I forgot to tell 


THE NATURE SMILED THAT DAY. 12J 

YOU that tomorroAY is my day off. I come through again 
on Monday.” 

"Can’t yon come and visit ns to-morrow, Mr. Verne?” 
asked Grace, with sndden impulse. 

ISTellie and Edith heard the request, and instantly 
join in making it more emphatic. 

“Yes, do, Tom,” cried Nellie, “and he sure and bring 
Dick Clay along ” 

Gilt-Edge Tom langhed. 

“That’s yonr scheme, is it,” he said, “and make Edith 
an odd member of the party?” 

“I shall not mind that, Tom,” said Edith. “Do come. 
Nellie is awfnlly anxions to see Dick. She told him so 
the other day, and ^vrote to him again this morning. The 
letter has jnst gone into the mail car.” 

“All right,” said the yonng conductor, “I’ll think 
about it.” 

And he did think about it, and that evening when ho 
saw Dick Clay they talked the matter over and the invi- 
tation was voted perfectly proper, and that it was im- 
possible to refuse it. 

“We can go,” said Dick Clay, “and get back Monday 
moming in time to take our trains as usual.” 

And, on the first train Sunday morning, they wdro 
again at Glen Summit. 

It seemed the most natural thing in the world for Gil!- 
Edge Tom, who wanted a chance to have another confi- 
dential talk with Grace De Forrest, to ask her to take a 
drive after luncheon. 

She accepted the invitation, and Dick and Nellie and 
Edith followed their example, and when the party drove 
over the mountains all nature seemed to smile upon them. 

Grace at once told Gilt-Edge Tom what had followed 
the arrival of Mr. Heywood and his companion. 

“I recognized Heywood with not a great deal of sur- 


128 


AND NATULE SMILED THAT DAY. 


])rise/’ said Grace, ^^as the man who spied upon Leon and 
myself at Wilkesbarre on the night we were there.’’ 

^‘What!” exclaimed Gilt-Edge Tom. 

^^Yes,” she return^. had almost expected it. He 
is the man. How, what do you think of my intuition?” 

Wonderful!” said the young conductor. 

^L4nd now I know,” continued Grace, ^^how it happens 
that Leon and I were suspected from the first. This man 
knew Leon. He is from Chicago. He is a man Leon had 
occasion to shadow upon one occasion at the time of the 
World’s Fair.” 

^^And that led to subsequent events in Easton?” 

^Wes. He knew Leon as a Pinkerton detective, and 
he, I am now sure, caused the attack upon us that night. 
Since then he has again been West looking after the in- 
terests of the gang of whom I believe he is the leader.” 

^Llnd his companion?” 

^Ts a sort of lieutenant. He is the husband of the 
woman known here as Mrs. Kearney. I think they are 
both assumed names, as this man, when Leon shadowed 
him three years ago, was then known in Chicago as Ste- 
ven Henderson. Leon at that time shadowed him on sus- 
picion of his being connected with a gang of pickpockets 
who worked the crowds on the Illinois Central’s cattle 
cars which were used to convey visitors to J ackson Park. 

^'Hothing was discovered, but Henderson, through an 
unlucky accident, discovered Leon’s identity, and has 
not forgotten him. 

wired to the Pinkerton office in Chicago last night 
for information concerning this man’s, Henderson’s or 
Heywood’s, recent movements. I believe that by to- 
morrow I vdll receive word that Henderson is still known 
in Chicago, and that on leaving Chicago sufficiently far 
behind him, his name becomes C. Harris Heywood.” 

^^And if it is?” 


AND NATURE SMILED THAT DAY. 


129 


will have a difficult task to leave Glen Summit 
mtliout his identity becoming known.’^ 

‘‘Have you seen anything suspicious?’’ 

“jSTo,” said Grace. ^^He has appeared to conduct him- 
self as any honest summer visitor would. But I have an 
impression that be gave a sigh of relief last night, when 
he learned, apparently for the first time, that Ralph Fos- 
ter is dead. I think, too, that he feels some relief at be- 
ing here at Glen Summit. You remember what I told 
you the other day about the arrest of Chicago and New 
York ticket scalpers?” 

^^Yes.” 

- ^^Well, if the police obtain information from the ar- 
rested men as to whom the ringleaders are, it may be well 
for Hey wood -to remain at some mountain resort for a 
time, at least until he can hear from his advisors in those 
cities.” 

‘‘I understand,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, ^^and .then if he 
is betrayed he will make an effort to leave the country?” 

‘‘Probably.” 

“And you believe that his idea is that here at Glen 
Summit he will be at a place where detectives would be 
unlikely to search for him?” 

“It may be so.” 

“I think the other day you remarked something about 
a belief that the frequent and apparent^ organized rob- 
lieries of railway stations and freight cars were conducted 
by possibly the same gang of scoundrels?” said Gilt-Edge 
Tom. 

“That has been the impression.” 

“I fail to see how the connection is e^ddent? It has 
been reported that tramps have been responsible for the 
crimes.” 

“By the newspapers, yes,” said Grace. “But facts in 
the knowledge of railroad officials indicate other indi- 


130 


AND NATURE SMILED THAT DAY. 


vidiials. Tramps have no means of disposing of stolen 
tickets, many of which have reached the railroad audit- 
ors. This gang has such means. Stolen merchandise, 
tramps would find difficult to market. This gang cer- 
tainly has numerous fences. And if Steven Henderson 
is the real leader and really was the leader of the gang of 
pickpockets at the World’s Fair, what is more rational 
than that he should direct their energies to robhing rail- 
way stations, freight cars and postoffices?” 

^Afiss De Forrest,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, ^^you argue 
and reason out these subjects like a veteran. How does 
your young head obtain such faculties?” 

Joking at me again?” 

^^'Noy seriously.” 

Grace smiled. 

^^Am I, then, seemingly so wise? Is it necessary to 
be old in order to reason?” 

^^^^Tot necessary, perhaps. At least I can now so un- 
derstand.” 

^Het us change the subject,” said Grace suddenly, 
^AVe have had our minds filled with this serious busi- 
ness long enough for to-day. Let ns talk about some- 
thing more pleasant and entertaining.” 

^^Agreed!” said Gilt-Edge Tom, ^^although I think it 
is very interesting to hear you reason out a complex 
problem. Miss De Forrest.” 

^Thank you, Tom — may I not call you Tom, the same 
as iSTellie does? Have we not become well enough ac- 
quainted to do away Avith too much formality?” 

^^Yes,” said Gilt-Edge Tom, \yith a pleased look ou 
his face. ^Tf I may call you Grace?” 

The ice was broken, and from that moment Gilt-Edge 
Tom and Grace De FoiTest ceased to be strangers. 

It was surjirising how quickly the embarrassment that 
had previously constrained them vanished. 


AND NATURE SMILED THAT DAY. 


I3I 

The knowledge that she had been thrown unexpected- 
ly onto Tom^s generous hospitality had caused Grace’s 
restraint and a fear on the young man’s part that (Jrace 
would misunderstand his motives had made him always 
ill at ease when conversing with her. 

I^ow this barrier between them vanished. 

Gilt-Edge Tom’s tender words spoken in the parlor 
car had been the entering wedge to Grace De Forrest’s 
heart. 

She had rightly read his meaning. 

Gilt-Edge Tom, despite Dick Clay’s warning, had per- 
mitted his heart to go out to the young woman and Grace 
De FoiTest, who for j^ears had been alone in the world, 
save for her brother’s companionship, felt in her own 
heart a ready response to the words Cupid whispered in 
her ears. 

N’o hint of sentimentality was uttered on that happy 
afternoon, but that evening while the stars were shining, 
Grace and Gilt-Edge Tom came to a mutual understand- 
ing and the beautiful young woman promised the young 
conductor that when the present case — to which her en- 
ergies were devoted — was ended she would give up her 
detective work and become his wife. 

^^Dick and I^ellie will soon marry,” said Gilt-Edge 
Tom, ^^and we can make it a double wedding. My 
home, as you know, is an humble one, but I think you 
can understand that it is honest and is the dwelling-place 
of peace, contentment and love.” As he spoke the 
young man drew the sweet girl close to him in an ardent 
embrace and kissed her fondly. 

shall be satisfied,” was Grace De Forrest’s earnest 

reply. 


/ 


132 


RUNNING THE GAME To EARTH. 


CHAPTER XII. 

RUNNING THE GAME TO EARTH. 

W HILE Gilt-Edge Tom and Dick Clay, both happy 
in the promises the future held out to them, 
were speeding down the valley of the Lehigh, 
Grace I)e Forrest and Xellie Yerne were exchanging 
sisterly confidences. Each told to the other her sweet 
secret. 

knew that Tom loved you,’’ said Nellie, ‘T saw it 
from the fiiSt. Oh! I am so glad.” 

Grace blushingly admitted that from the time that she 
had leai’ued Gilt-Edge Tom’s true worth she had been 
favorably impressed toward him. 

^^And my Dick,” said Nellie, ^^is just as good, as Tom 
and not half such a tease.” 

Grace laughed. 

It was late indeed that night when slumber closed their- 
eyes. 

On the train Gilt-Edge Tom and Dick Clay also ex- 
changed confidences and built their castles in the air. 

They arrived at Easton in ample season to take their 
trains. 

Gilt-Edge Tom went home to breakfast, and before 
the time came for leaving he had told his mother of his 
engagement to Grace, and he also had a conversation 
with Leon Do Forrest. 

am pleased,” said Leon in cordial terms. ^^Grace 
knows what she is about. I hope you will both be happy. 
Now that you and Grace and Dick and Nellie are mated 
I am beginning to wonder when my turn will oonte.’^ 


RUNNING THE GAME TO EARTH. 


133 


An inspiration struck Gilt-Edge Tom. 

“Say, Leon,” he said, half jokingly, “if you want to 
ride on our train I’ll suggest a partner. Edith Lottimer 
is a mighty fine girl, and as she is coming home with Nel- 
lie in a day or two you can improve the opportunity tliat 
will he oft'ered.” 

Leon laughed and also in a joking way replied: 

“Not a bad idea, Tom. I’ll think of it.” 

At Glen Summit that morning Gilt-Edge Tom as 
usual saw the girls at the station. 

He had two passengers for Wilkes-Barre from that 
station. 

Heywood and Kearney took seats in the smoking car. 

In a low voice Grace De Eorrest asked the young con- 
ductor to observe them as much as possible. 

He promised to do so. 

At Wilkes-Barre he saw the two men for a few mo- 
ments loiter about the railway station and then enter a 
neighboring hotel of the second class. 

Erom a window in the conductor’s room of the depot 
he saw them half an hour later leave the place accom- 
panied by a third man whom Gilt-Edge Tom had not be- 
fore seen. 

Subsequently he saw the two board a Pittston trolley 
car. 

“No use frying to follow them,” said the young con- 
ductor to himself, “it will only arouse suspicion and may 
defeat some future plan. Like the cat, they will come 
back.” 

And at leaving time of the afternoon express, Gilt- 
Edge Tom saw them again at the station, and once more 
he carried them to Glen Summit. 

“ Any news?” he asked when Grace met him as he step- 
]>ed from the train. 

“Not yet,” she answered. “Have you anything to tell 

mer 


134 


RUNNING THE GAME TO EARTH. 


^^iSTot mucli. Tbey met a tiliii'd man at AVilkes-B'arre 
and took a trolley car. AVliere they wenit I cannot s^ay, 
as I thought it best not to attempt to follow them.’’ 

Three days passed with similar experiences. Every 
day the two men went to Wilkes-Barre, met the 'third man 
and as before took the trolley cair bound for Pittston. 

On the afternoon of the third day Grace Do Forrest 
informed Gilt-Edge Tom that sihe had heard from the 
Pinkertons at Chicago. 

was again correct,” ^he said, Harris Heywood 
Is the man we knew as Stevens Henderson. They wire 
to me that the former suspicions against the man wore 
never verified. 

^Hhat at present he is engaged in a general brokerage 
business on Dearborn street and that he is reported to own 
interests in several mercantile enterprises, among these a 
printing and lithographing plant. He is absent from 
the city much of the time. At present journeying in the 
west.” 

printing and lithographing plant, at present jour- 
neying in the west,” said Gilt-Edge Tom. 

^ A^es,” said Grace, ^^a plant from which railroad tickets 
can be manufactured and at Glen Summit instead of jour- 
neying in the west. My question, concerning C. Harris 
Heywood is answered by the single sentence ^nlot known 
in Chicago.’ Give Leon this packet please.” 

Gilt-Edge Tom delivered the packet Grace handed to 
him that evening into Leon’s hands and lan hour later re- 
ceived a summons to the young man’s presence. 

^^Tom,” said Leon, cannot stand this business of be- 
ing penned up here any longer. Doctor French says I 
am well, but must avoid excitement and too violent exer- 
cise. I suppose that means that I must not get infto a 
football fight wfith anyone. I’m going to Wilkes-Barre 
to-morrow morning with you and help Grace end this case 


RUNNING THE GAME TO EARTH. 


135 


of ours. Tlie trail is too hot to have me loafing here. 

^^Stevens Henderson, as C. Hands Heywood, is even 
now planning some villainy in the neighborhood of 
Wilkes-Barre, and I must be on deck when the fun be- 
gins. I’m bound to be in at the finish.” 

^^Don’t risk too much,” said Gilt-Edge Tom warningty, 
^^do not over estimate your strength.” 

shall not,” said Leon. ^^But Grace needs me. She 
can’t shadow th'ese men, and it must be Tone and at once. 
Grace writes that they have visited Wilkes-Barre four 
times this week, and if they are up to some scheme they 
wdll mighty soon complete it, and then they will vanish. 
I shall disguise myself, as I am known to this man Hey- 
wood and will go with you, as I said before in the morn- 
ing.” 

Nothing that Gilt-Edge Tom could say caused the 
young detective to change his determination, and in a 
make-up that added ten years to his appearance, Leon De 
Forrest was a passenger on Tom’s next run up the valley. 

At Glen Summit Gilt-Edge Tom informed Grace that 
Leon was on the train, but that he dared not speak to her 
owing to fear of attracting the attention of Heywood and 
Kearney, who had just entered the smoker. 

^Tle is going to shadoiv the men to-d'ay,” said the young 
conductor. ^A^ou will hear from him if anything of im- 
[jortance develops.” 

Heywood and Kearney glanced carelessly about the 
smoking car, but apparently did not notice the seeming 
farmer who sat in the seat behind them. 

Leon, as his sister had done, instantly recognized in 
Heywood the man he had known in Chicago ^as Stevens 
Henderson. 

In Kearney, the young detective al^^o recognized a man 
whom he knew to be a backer of a Clark street gambling 
resort, 


136 


RUNNING THE GAME TO EARTH. 


^^Grrace has done splenididly/’ said Leon to himself, 
^dt was a lucky strike, the inform'ation Gilt-Edge Tom 
gave her. We might never have struck this trail without 
his aid.’’ 

Hey wood and Kearney, 'as we will continue to call the 
two men for the present, conversed in la low tone. 

Accustomed as he was to eavesdropping, Leon could 
scarcely distinguish a word that 'they uttered. 

That they were discussing a subject of great secrecy he 
had no doubt. 

At last he caught a sentence: 

^^Jim must make final arrangements to-night.” 

^^That means that whatever they are about will be ac- 
(^omplislied immediately,” said the detective to himself. 

Then another sentence reached him: 

'^The money comes to-morrow.” 

Heywood appeared to realize that the sentence had 
been uttered in a louder tone than was prudent, and hasti- 
ly turned his head toward the farmer behind him. 

" Leon was intensely interested in the view of the Wy- 
oming Valley. 

‘Tickets, please!” Gilt-Edge Tom’s 'arrival with his 
punch interrupted the conyersiation of the plotters. 

AVhen the young conductor passed on they resumed, 
but not another word reached the eiars of the listening 
detective. 

“The web is closing,” said Leon. “Now to shadow 
them until I find out whiat they are about.” 

At Wilkes-Barre, Leon saw the two men visit 'the hotel 
as GilhEdge Tom had frequently seen them do. 

Apparently he paid no attention to them, but crossed 
the street and took up a position wihence he could see a 
signal to be given by Gilt-Edge Tom. 

In a short time it came. 

A Pittsiton trolley car was approiachkig. 


RUNNING THE GAME TO EARTH. I37 

This he boarded and w'as comfortably seated when the 
three men entered. 

They began a conversation mt!li yadhting as the sub- 
ject, when tbey had cashed their fares with the conductor. 

Tliis subject was followed by various othefr common- 
place topics until the car had left the precincts of Wilkes 
Barre and was well into the business district of Pitts ton. 

Near the railway station they left the car and entered 
a saloon. 

Ten minntes later Leon De Forrest entered the place 
and stepping to the bar, called for a drink, and casually 
and in a nasal tone asked the barkeeper when the next 
train left for Tnnkbannock. 

He was alre'ady aware of the fact that the answer would 
be: 

'‘At 6:52.'' 

“How far be it, an' what's it cost to git thar?" asked the 
detective. 

The barkeeper good naturedly replied that the distance 
was about twenty miles and the fare about half a dollar. 

“Spose a feller kin git a job hayin?" said Leon. 

“Better try for a job at the tub factory," was the reply. 
“They want spry, active young fellers there." 

“Sho! making tubs go round," said Leon with an in- 
nocent grin. 

“Guess that's it," said the man behind the bar, “and T 
hear that they want a young feller at the grist mill." 

“Cum, that's my best holt," said Leon. “Fill 'em up 
again. An' say, I guess I kin stan' treat. Have a glass 
of sody with me?" 

“I'll go you," said the barkeeper, surprised at the ap- 
parent hayseed's generous proposition,and he proceeded to 
“fill 'em up agin." 

Then Leon waxed communicative. 

He told the barkeeper that he was just from Jersey, and 


I3S RUNNING THE GAME TO EARTH. 

that he had ^^hearn te*ll tihet there was plenty of goiod jobs 
hayin’ round Tunkhannock” and that he was lookin’ for 
^^suthin” to do. 

His conversation with the barkeeper lasted well on 
toward half an hour, during v^hich time he saw nothing 
of Heywood and his comj>anions, but from frequents visits 
of the bar keeper to an adjoining room, he decided that 
the men were having a private session. 

At last he was rewarded for liis patience. 

Heywood and Kearney appeared alone and with a 
‘‘good day” to the bar tender, left the place. 

^^They are going back to Wilkes-Barre,” was Leon’s 
comment. ^'Let them go. I’ll wait for the others of the 
party.” 

It was not long before the third man, accompanied by 
the fourth, came from the private room. 

T*hey stood before the bar where Leon was ^ ^blowing” 
the barkeeper for the third time. 

Shortly afterward they left the place and Leon fol- 
lowed them. 

Instead of returning to Wilkes-Barre the two men 
boarded a Scranton trolley car and half an hour later 
Leon followed them into a notorious resort on a side street 
in that city. 

He saw them join a party of rough characters seated at 
a bench playing cards and after making a purchase at the 
dirty bar, he left the place determined to keep the men 
in view on their reappearance in public. 

The detective removed his disguise and felt certain 
that they would not recogTiize in the pale faceid young 
man, the farmer appearing chap he had previously per- 
sonated. 

It wias well into the evening vhen the men came from 
the vile resort. 

They returned to Pittston and after a short stay there 


RUNNING THE GAME TO EARTH. I39 

once more continued tlieir joiirniey, wliicli emded at 
Wilkes-BaiTe. 

Patiently Leon shadowed their ni'oveanents. Not o-nce 
was their attention attracted to him. 

Finally, crouching in a most uncomfortable 'attitude 
behind a pile of empty beer kegs in a dark alleyway, his 
patience was rewarded. 

He learned the secret of the many conferences over 
which the ringleader of the gang, ITeywood, jiresided. 

In a rear room in a saloon the tw^o villains sat and con- 
versed in wLispers. 

At a crack in a broken partition which separated the 
room from the alleyway, Leon De Forrest listened to 
every word they uttered. 

Just as the city clock struck the hour of midnight, the 
young detective paid a visit to the Wilkes-BaiTe poli(*e 
headquarters. 


140 


A GLORIOUS night’s WORK. 


CHAPTEK Xni. 

A GLORIOUS night’s WORK. 

A t Glen Summit, Grace De Forrest was not idle-. i 
She kept close observance of the movements of 
Heywood and Kearney each day after their re- 
turn from Wilkes-Barre. 

She hoped constantly that in some unguarded moment 
Avhen 'they supposed themselves unobserved they might 
drop> a careless word which Would give her the informa- 
tion she was seeking. 

While Leon ^v^as closely shadowing his birds at Wilkes- 
Barre, Grace kept Heywood and Kearney in view. 

Dinner had been ser^^ed, <and finally Grace, who had 
left Kellie Verne and Edith Lottimer in their apart- 
luents, saw the two men leave the hotel veranda and 
saunter away toward the walk which led to the nearby 
lake. 

The evening shades were falling and the stars were be- 
ginning to appear in the sky. 

AVith a light vTap thro-wn about her head and should- 
ers, Grace, making sure that her own movements were 
not observed, by a roundabout path followed them. 

Keeping well in the shadows 's!he saw 'them finally en- 
ter a small pa^dlion, and then she crept closer. 

From the open front of the little summer house, a view 
of the lake could be seen in the twilight and the men 
seated themselves to chat and smoke. 

On both sides of the path Whidh had led to the place 
were groves of trees and the summer house itself was, ex- 
cept at the front, densely sheltered. 


A GLORIOUS NIGHT’S WORK. 


I4I 

Creeping steadily, making not tlie sligliitest sound of a 
footfall, -Grace at last reached a position not six feet from 
the place where the two men was sitting. 

Then she listened to hear what mig'ht pass between 
them. 

She felt positive that the ineai ‘had not loft the hotel 
and come to this secluded spot merely for the enjoyment; 
of Their smoke. 

Almost the first words that reached her, convinced the 
young woman that her watch upon them was to be re- 
wairded. 

Kearney was speaking in low tones. 

His voice sounded almost like an unintelligible mur- 
mur at first, but finally (jrace divided the words one from 
the other. 

‘^And,’’ said he, think we better let this affair go on 
from this point without our personal assistance.’’ 

^AVe can’t do it,” Heywood replied. ^^The risk is too 
great. AVe cannot trust them so far. There is too much 
money at stake. The temptation to them will be too 
strong. We must be on hand or we shall never get a 
cent.” 

^^They would not dare to cheat us.” 

^^Sixty thousand dollai’S would cause Jim Ford to dare 
a great deal.” ^ 

suppose it would, but we are going to run a fearful 
risk in the job, and if we can keep out of it and have them 
do the work for us, we will be better off.” 

^^Eisk or no risk, we have got to be near at hand when 
the money is taken from the safe.” 

Can’t we be near and not actually vdth them?” 

And never see a dollar of the cash. Once in thedx 
hands and with us out of the way, we can whistle for our 
share.” 

^^And if we slip up it’s all day with us.” 


142 


A GLORIOUS night’s WORK. 


^^Yes. But weVe gut to have the money. We have 
had too many losses lately. These fellows in. Chicago 
and New York, unless they get money will squeal on us 
and then where are we?’’ 

‘^Gone under for fair,” said Kearney. 

^^Yes,” said Heywood. ^^These same fellows who are 
under arrest have already cost us thousands, and they 
have got to be kept silent, as you know, Olint, they are 
dead sure to blow on us if they don’t get what they de- 
mand ” 

^‘Snre, and the police would rather get a hoid on us 
than on a dozen of the scalpers.” 

^^Eight you are and we both know that the railroads all 
over the country are dead close on oiir heels. I don’t see 
how we can keep the game up much longer. I have de- 
cided that the time has come to lay low and that is why 
I destroyed every plate and stone in the s)hop before I left 
Chicago.” 

you brought a heap of stuff with you,” said Kear- 

ney. 

^Tt will be all right to float when a few uionths have 
gone by, and the railroads get careless again.” 

‘^You would be in a bad fix if anybody should g-et hold 
of the stuff.” 

'•'Yes, but nobody will ever suspect my wife of carry- 
ing it.” 

"That young Pinkerton detective would if he should 
ever show up again.” 

"Perhaps he might, but he is laid up with >a broken 
head and as soon as he ever comes on deck again he will be 
fixed for all time. It’s too bad Jim and the boys didn’t 
end him that night. They should have knifed him.” 

"That young conductor, Gilt-Edge Tom, whom w© 
see every day, saved him and the girl too.” 

"Yes,” said Heywood, "and do you know, Clint, I have 


A GLORIOUS night’s WORK. 


143 


been thinking to-day that that same girl is heire at this 
hotel. 1 canh swear that she is the same one I saw tliat 
uiglit at AVilkes-Earre, but I am beginning to- suspect 
her.^^ 

Grace De Forrest, who heard the words, from the rear 
of the pavilion, to herself said: 

‘^iTes, Mr. Henderson, it is the same girl.’’ 

^The devil!” ejaculated Kearney, ^Svhat brings her 
here? Is she in the game with the detective? And is 
‘^he here to spy on us?” 

^^Oh! no, I think not,” said Hey wood, ^^but, of course, 
you can’t tell. She is too young to be feared. She is 
here visiting a couple of other girls. Friends of that fel- 
low, Gilt Edge Tom.” 

^^Too bad we didn’t get a grip on him, same as we had 
on Foster.’’ 

^^Yes,” said Heywood. ^Hood thing for him that we 
didn’t. But say, don’t you think it a queer coincidence 
that this sajne conductor, Grilt-Euge Tom reseiietd the de- 
tective from the boys and also wiped Foster out?” 

^^Yes, I do,” said Kearney, ^Wd perhaps we have not 
heard the last of him.” 

^^What do you mean?” HeyAV’ood demanded. 

mean,” said Kearney, ^^that there is just one chance 
in a million’ that he may have joined forces against us, and 
has sent his friends here to keep an eye ion your wife. He 
tumbled to the ticket first off.” 

^Hhat’s foolish !” said Heywood. am always ready 
to suspect everylx)dy I run up against, but you are dead 
wrong this time. Glint, what fools we Avould be to suspect 
him. Why, that chap is of the style that carries his 
thoughts on his coat sleeve. He is too damned honest to 
sus])ect anyone without going rig'ht up to him and telling 
him so to his face. He cmildn’t keep his face straig^ht 
three minutes if he was onto a swindle. And, as for be- 


144 


A GLORIOUS night’s WORK. 


iiig watclied by three girls just out of sdiOol, why that 
thought would make a horse laugh. It’s the silliest thing 
I ever heard.” 

‘‘I am glad you think so/’ said Gvace De Foiresit to 
herself. ‘^But I think you wdll soon hear from these 
same ^girls just out of school.’ ” 

^^1 may be wrong,” said Kearney, ^^but I tell you, Steve, 
that this game of ours has stirred the 'detectives up so- of 
late, that I’m getting ticklish. That’s why I (suggested 
that we lay low on this next job and let the boys do The 
work, and then come in later. We are entitled to our 
share just the same for putting them onto the lay.” 

said Hey^wood, ^Tut as I said before, if Jim and 
the other lad get their hands on the pile and we are not 
with them we will never see the boys or the money.” 

^‘Then we must put the scheme through as we have ar- 
ranged it ?” 

^‘Yes,” said Ileywood in a positive tone'. ^Tt’s the only 
Avay. The money will reach Pittston to-morrow night 
on the train which gets there at 11:23, and will lay in 
the express office until morning. Between half past 
eleven and the two o’clock express from the west, the 
station will be deserted, except by perhaps the watchman, 
dim has that all studied O'ut. The two hours after iriid- 
' night will give us plenty of time to fix the watchman and 
do the job up neat.” 

^‘Yes,” said Kearney, ^^we have been all over this a 
dozen limes. There is no need of talking a!bout it any 
more. Let’s get back to the hotel and get a night’s sleep. 
We won’t have any^ rest to-morrow nig’ht.” 

^L\ll right, my^ boy,” and then Grace De Forrest 
crouching close to the ground, heard the soimd of their 
footfalls on the walk as they made 'their wtay back to the 
hotel. 

^h\t last!” she cried to herself, have their secret^ 


A GLORIOUS NIGHT’S WORK. 


I4S 


and to-morrow night shall witness their destruction, and 
in those trunks which Mrs. Heywood carries is the evi- 
dence that will sweep this band of scouudrels from the 
walks of men. Another 48 hours and my work mil end. 
Then comes the ti’ial in the courts. 

must see Leon. He must know all that I have 
learned, and close the web around these villains. This 
has been a glorious night’s work.” 

Unobserved the daring girl rejoined Hellie and Edith 
in their apartments, but she siaid never a word about her 
important discoveries. 

To Leon she wrote a detailed account of what she had 
heard from the two men in the summer house and on the 
following morning she whispered to Gilt-Edge Tom: 

have succeeded. The end of all comes tomight. 
Give this to Leon when you see him at Wilkes-Barre. 
.From him you mil learn all. We will go to Easton to- 
night with you.” 

^‘You have got your evidence?” Gilt-Edge Tom asked 
in a whisper. 

‘^The blow will fall to-night.” 

^AVhere are my usual passengers?” he asked. 

^They will probably leave on a late train. You will 
understand everything from this letter to Leon.” 

At Wilkes-Barre Leon De Eorrest, again in the guise 
of the farmer looking fellow, greeted Gilt-Edge Tom. 

An hour later the young conductor learned of the im- 
portant event that was expected to take place at Pittston 
that night. 

Grace De Forrest’s communication was a repetition of 
what Leon had heard from the two men he had so dili- 
gentH shadowed. 

^L\ll plans are complete,” said the detective. ^Yhe 
police are with me and we are prepared to catch the scoun- 
drels at just the right time.” 


146 


A GLORIOUS KIGHT’S WORK. 


Gilt-Edge Tom hastily oongratulated Leon on liis pros- 
pects of victory. 

^T’d like to be on liamd too/’ lie said, ^Svlien the bah [ 
opens. Can’t we fix it?” 

Leon smiled. 

You- are entitled to a share of the credit for what may 
follow,” he said. ^T’ll see what can be done.” 

lie sent a telegraph message to the superintendent’s 
office without delay and that night Gilt-Edge Tom was in 
charge of his regular train east only as far as White 
Haven. 

Then accompanied by Grace Le Forrest he returned to 
Wilkes-Barre. 

Dick Clay finished the run of the express and as passen- 
gers on the train, Nellie Verne and Edith Lottimer rode 
in the parlor car. 

^^Dick, w'hat’s up?” Nellie asked when the opportunity 
offered. ^^Why have Grace f^nd Tom left us?” 

‘^Dunno,” replied Dick, who was no wiser than his 
sweethearit, guess they are going to elope.” 


IN THE MESHES OF THE WEB. 


47 


CHAPTEK XIV. 

IN THE MESHES OF THE WEB. 

I V the railway station at Pittstoin a clock mourn- 
fully ticked the seconds denoting the passing of 
time. 

The west bound express from Xew York had arrived 
and departed. 

The agent in the express office and his assistants were 
just completing their duties for the day and were about 
to leave the premises. 

Idle station agent turned the lights low in the waiting 
rooms and on the platforms. 

Then a brief conversation was held by the expressman 
and the watchman^ who, during the next two hours would 
have charge of affairs. 

‘Tt^s all right/’ the watchman said in a low tone, ‘T am 
always wide-awake.” 

And then he was alone. 

A short distance away in the freight yard an engine 
puffed and wheezed as it ^^kicked” a box car onto a side 
track, not a dozen yards from the darkened station. 

There was the sound of cars bumping together and then 
the engine and its crew rode away to the roundhouse. 

The watchman at the depot strode slowly back and 
forth upon the platform and then approaching the door 
leading to the express office he shook it sturdily and ex- 
amined the shutters at the windows. 

^^All serene!” he muttered and then 'he seated himself 
in the shadows upon a baggage truck. 

On the neighboring street all was still; scarce a sound 
came to his ears to indicate that there was a living being 
in the town. 

Creeping like a panther upon the watchman, a black 


148 


IN THE MESHES OF THE WEB. 


object came from around the corner of tbe building, an- 
other and anotheir and stilbanother followed. 

There was not the slightest sound to indicate their 
coming. 

The watchman unwitting of his peril sat like a statue 
on a pedestal. 

There was a sudden rush behind him, and powerless to 
utter a cry the watchman’s throat was held in the suffo- 
cating grasp of a giant. 

AVith scarcely an audible sound the express office door 
was forced open and four men brought their victim with 
them into the black hole. 

The wvatchman gagged and insensible like a log was 
laid upon the floor. 

^‘Quiek! All together! It is here,” a voice 
whispered. ^AA^hew! but this chest is heavy.” 

Steve Henderson was the speaker, a*id his companions 
were Kearney and the man Jim an'd his mate. 

Thus fay their plans were proving successful, but now 
comes a fearful .^urprise to the gang of express robbers. 

A light flashes upon the scene and the stalwart forms 
of a dozen policemen rush through the open door. 

Henderson and his men were caught in a trap. 

A revolver gleams in the ringleader’s hand and in- 
stantly the weapon flashes fire. 

The lantern carried by the police, shattered by the ball, 
is extinguished. 

Three more shots followed in the darkness and a mor- 
tal scream of agony tells that at least one bullet has found 
a victim. 

Another flash of light and again the place is illumined 
by the glow of police lanterns. 

Seven patrolmen throw themselves bodily upon the 
dazed, bewildered and teiTor stricken wretches. 

Steve Henderson, lying in a pool of blood on the floa:u 


149 


IN THE MESHES OF THE WEB. 

of the room, has escaped the clutches of the law. 

■x- * * * * * 

Leon De Forrest’s plans had heen well laid and had 
been carried out to the niinutest detail. 

Tt) the chief of the Wilkes-BaiT© police he told his 
story and requested the assistance of the department in 
completing his work. 

“We must capture tliem in the act,” he said. “Lay 
for them and give them no chance for escape.” 

Then he outhned the manner in which the capture 
could be made. 

“We will allow the villains to carry out their inten- 
tions even to obtaining full possession of the money box. 
We can hide a dozen policemen in a freight car and have 
it convenient to the depot ready for the moment of cap- 
ture. Then the villains can be taken completely by sur- 
prise.” 

This was done and there was no miscarriage of the 
scheme. 

****** 

The morning newspapers told the world of the capture 
of a desperate gang of express robbers and the fame of 
the Wilkes-Barre police spread far and wide. 

The death of Steve Henderson, alias Heywood, created 
a sensation in Chicago. This was increased when it 
became known that he had been the ringleader of the 
gang which for years had been smndling the railroads 
of the country with issues of counterfeit tickets. 

Upon information furnished by Leon De Forrest 
“Mrs. Heywood’s” baggage was searched and a Anst 
amount of incriminating material, together AAOth records, 
shoAving the extent to Avhich the sAvindle had extended 
and the connection the gang had AAoth robberies of rail- 
way stations and post offices, Avas discovered. 

“Ml’S. IleyAvood” and Mre. Kearney AA'ere not mo- 


ISO IN THE MESHES OF THE WEB. 

lest'ed. 

Clint. Kearney to-day is an inmate of a Pennsylvania 
state prison. His companions in crime have not jet been 
separated from him. 

hy prolong the detail of the events participated in 
by Gilt-Edge Tom and his friends? 

This all happened nearly a year ago. 

About the most interesting affair of all to the young 
people who^vere affected by it was the double wedding 
which was celebrated at Easton. 

True to her promise Grace De Forrest resigned her 
partnership with Leon and became the happy bride of 
Gilt-Edge Tom. 

Kellie Verne and Dick Clay were married at the same 
time. 

With Leon De Forres^ Tom Verne’s joking sugges- 
tion bore fruit and although Edith Lottimer had prom- 
ised to some day beoome his wife no amount of urging 
hastened the event which took place last Christmas. 

Kumors recently current announce that upon the Le- 
high Valley railroad a new and magnificent expi’ess train 
is to be put on the schedule to run between Kew York 
and Buffalo. 

His many- friends hope that Gilt-Edge Tom vdll be 
again honored by the railroad officials and be put in 
charge of the Black Diamond Express. 

If some fine day you may have occasion to travel over 
the line of the V alley route my most cordial wish is that 
it may be your good fortune to enjoy the scenic beauties 
of the trip under the safe guidance of Gilt-Edge Tom, 
Conductor. 


THE END. 


1 


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